Heritage Auctions is gearing up for its highly anticipated Platinum Night event, and among the standout items set to be featured is an extraordinary piece of baseball history – a poster from the 1888-89 Spalding Australian Baseball Tour. This rare artifact, one of only two known surviving posters, holds immense historical significance, shedding light on a barnstorming tour led by the iconic Albert G. Spalding, baseball legend and sporting goods tycoon.
Scheduled for February 24-25, the Platinum Night auction boasts an impressive collection of nearly 2,800 items, spanning from the era of Old Judge cards to the modern exploits of players like Aaron Judge. However, it is this particular poster that takes center stage as a key lot. The fact that the other known copy of this poster resides in the Baseball Hall of Fame underscores its rarity and importance in the world of baseball memorabilia.
Measuring an imposing 42 inches by 28 inches, the poster has been hailed by Heritage Auctions as “the most astonishing eight square feet of paper” ever to be presented in one of their auctions. Adorned with images reminiscent of Old Judge and N284 Buchner Gold Coin cards, it showcases the players who participated in the historic tour, including the likes of future Hall of Famers Cap Anson, John Montgomery Ward, and Ned Hanlon.
The Spalding Australian Baseball Tour was a bold venture conceived by Albert G. Spalding to promote the sport globally. Taking the Chicago White Stockings and an All America team led by Spalding himself, the tour journeyed through various countries, visiting destinations such as the Sandwich Islands (now Hawaii), New Zealand, Ceylon, Egypt, Italy, France, and England. The expedition culminated with games in Australian cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Ballarat. Such a feat required meticulous planning and a staggering personal investment of $30,000 from Spalding. The tour even garnered the endorsement of then-President Grover Cleveland.
This promotional endeavor not only showcased the universal appeal of baseball but also solidified its reputation as America’s game. The tour generated 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 provides a fascinating glimpse into the early professionalization of baseball and its efforts to reach a global audience. With a pre-sale estimate of $100,000, it presents a unique and compelling opportunity for collectors to own a tangible piece of the sport’s storied past. Whether you’re a passionate baseball enthusiast or an avid collector, this rare poster is sure to pique your interest and ignite your imagination.