Heritage Auctions is ready to make history with its upcoming Platinum Night event by featuring an extraordinary artifact from the world of baseball: a poster from the 1888-89 Spalding Australian Baseball Tour. This rare piece, one of only two known surviving posters, holds immense historical significance as it captures a pivotal moment in the sport’s past. The tour, led by baseball legend Albert G. Spalding, showcased games between the Chicago White Stockings and an All America team handpicked by Spalding himself.
Scheduled for February 24-25, the auction will present nearly 2,800 items, covering a wide range of baseball memorabilia from the era of Old Judge cards to modern-day stars like Aaron Judge. Among these items, the poster stands out as a key highlight, with the other known copy residing in the Baseball Hall of Fame, solidifying its rarity and importance.
The poster, measuring an impressive 42 inches by 28 inches, is being hailed by Heritage Auctions as “the most astonishing eight square feet of paper” ever presented in their auctions. Adorned with images reminiscent of Old Judge and N284 Buchner Gold Coin cards, it showcases the players who took part in the historic tour. Notably, future Hall of Famers Cap Anson, John Montgomery Ward, and Ned Hanlon are prominently featured.
The Spalding Australian Baseball Tour was a daring venture conceived by Albert G. Spalding to popularize baseball on a global scale. The teams traveled to various destinations, including the Sandwich Islands (now Hawaii), New Zealand, Ceylon, Egypt, Italy, France, and England. The tour concluded in Australian cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Ballarat. This ambitious undertaking required meticulous planning and a significant investment, with Spalding personally contributing $30,000 and securing an endorsement from President Grover Cleveland.
Not only did the tour promote baseball’s appeal, but it also solidified the sport’s status as America’s pastime. The journey garnered significant attention, and upon the teams’ return, a celebratory banquet was held at the prestigious Delmonico’s restaurant in New York City.
Beyond its historical value, the poster offers a fascinating glimpse into the early professionalization of baseball and its efforts to reach a worldwide audience. With a pre-sale estimate of $100,000, it presents a unique opportunity for collectors to own a tangible piece of the sport’s storied past. The poster encapsulates a pivotal chapter in baseball’s history and serves as a testament to the game’s enduring legacy.
As the Heritage Auctions Platinum Night event approaches, baseball enthusiasts and collectors alike eagerly anticipate the chance to bid on this rare artifact. The auction serves as a platform for preserving and celebrating the rich history of America’s favorite pastime, allowing passionate fans to connect with the sport and own a remarkable piece of baseball’s heritage.
