Sports & Leisure

Tennis Racket

The nation's passion for sports is obvious every day—at NASCAR races, kiddie soccer matches, and countless other contests. From a handball used by Abraham Lincoln to Chris Evert's tennis racket to a baseball signed by Jackie Robinson, the roughly 6.000 objects in the Museum's sports collections bear witness to the vital place of sports in the nation's history. Paper sports objects in the collections, such as souvenir programs and baseball cards, number in the hundreds of thousands.

Leisure collections encompass a different range of objects, including camping vehicles and gear, video games, playing cards, sportswear, exercise equipment, and Currier and Ives prints of fishing, hunting, and horseracing. Some 4,000 toys dating from the colonial period to the present are a special strength of the collections.

Date: 1940s

Baseball, signed by the 1949 Boston Braves

Baseball signed by the 1949 Boston Braves.
Description
Baseball signed by the 1949 Boston Braves. That season the Braves finished 75-79, 4th in the National League.
Autographs include Johnny Sain; Warren Spahn; Elbie Fletcher; Eddie Stanky; Al Dark; Bob Elliott; Tommy Holmes; Jim Russell; Marv Rickert; Bill Salkeld; Sibby Sisti; Del Crandall; Pete Reiser; Ed Sauer; Connie Ryan; Jeff Heath; Vern Bickford; Bill Voiselle; Nels Potter; Johnny Antonelli; Bob Hall.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1949
associated institution
Milwaukee Braves
maker
A. J. Reach Co.
ID Number
CL.310547.144
accession number
310547
catalog number
310547.144

Joe DiMaggio

Postcard of baseball player Joe DiMaggio. The card is part of a series made by the Exhibit Supply Company (ESCO) between 1939-1946.
Description (Brief)
Postcard of baseball player Joe DiMaggio. The card is part of a series made by the Exhibit Supply Company (ESCO) between 1939-1946. Unlike traditional baseball cards, which were often offered as premiums or in packages, the large format Exhibit cards were dispensed from vending machines. ESCO released their first series of cards in 1921. This series is known as the Salutations series, as cards in the set included a greeting and copy of the player's autograph.
Joseph (Joe) DiMaggio (1914-1990) played centerfield for the New York Yankees from 1936-1942 and from 1946-1951, with time in-between spent in military service. One of the most dominant and popular athletes in United States history, Joltin' Joe was an All-Star every season of his 13 year career, taking home three American League Most Valuable Player Awards and leading the Yankees to a remarkable 9 World Series Championships. In 1941, the Yankee Clipper , a lifetime .325 batter, set a Major League Baseball record, getting a hit in 56 consecutive games.
The son of Italian immigrants, DiMaggio had two brothers, Dominic (Dom) and Vincent (Vince,) who also played in the Major Leagues. The native Californian made international headlines with his short-lived marriage to actress Marilyn Monroe in 1954.
Enshrined in Baseball's Hall of Fame in 1955, Dimaggio is remembered, not only for his achievements on the diamond, but as an icon for the era in which he played.
date made
1939-1946
thru person
Rinsland, George
Associated Name
DiMaggio, Joe
New York Yankees
maker
Exhibit Supply Company
ID Number
CL.310547.029.05
accession number
310547
catalog number
310547.029.05

Baseball card album from the Cuban Leagues, 1945

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1945-1946
ID Number
2016.0369.04
accession number
2016.0369
catalog number
2016.0369.04

Who's Who in the Major Leagues, 8th Edition

Who's Who in Major League Baseball is a series of books published annually, beginning in 1933. From 1938 – 1954 the series was edited by Chicago Daily News sportswriter John P.
Description (Brief)
Who's Who in Major League Baseball is a series of books published annually, beginning in 1933. From 1938 – 1954 the series was edited by Chicago Daily News sportswriter John P. Carmichael (1902-1986) winner of 1974's Baseball Writers Association of America's Career Excellence Award.
The cover of the 8th edition of Who's Who features some of era's greatest performers; Boston Red Sox pitcher Robert (Lefty) Grove; New York Yankees outfielder Joe DiMaggio; St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Johnny Mize, and Cincinnati Reds pitcher Bucky Walters.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1940
thru person
Rinsland, George
author
Carmichael, John P.
publisher
Callahan, B. E.
depicted (sitter)
DiMaggio, Joe
Associated Name
Grove, Lefty
New York Yankees
Boston Red Sox
St. Louis Cardinals
Cincinnati Reds
maker
Callahan, B. E.
ID Number
CL.310547.010
catalog number
310547.010
accession number
310547

Hallicrafters S-40 radio receiver

Amateurs began making home radios to transmit and receive messages early in the 1900s. As part of the 1912 Radio Act, these "hams" were assigned to the short-wave part of the radio spectrum.
Description
Amateurs began making home radios to transmit and receive messages early in the 1900s. As part of the 1912 Radio Act, these "hams" were assigned to the short-wave part of the radio spectrum. Radio operators around the world learned code, formed clubs, and exchanged cards listing their license numbers.
In 1933, radio enthusiast William (Bill) J. Halligan of Chicago founded The Hallicrafters, Inc. The firm sold radios and other electronic components. Ham radio operation in the U.S. was suspended during World War II, and Hallicrafters devoted its resources to producing military goods.
After the war, it resumed production for consumers. Hobbyists bought receivers like this one. This sturdy object was owned by Charles E. Dennison, a longtime employee of the Smithsonian Institution.
Reference: Max de Henseler, "When the Sky was the Limit, The Hallicrafters Story 1933-1975," unpublished manuscript.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1946
maker
Hallicrafters, Inc.
ID Number
EM.334935
catalog number
334935
accession number
315488
model number
S-40

Rube Oldring Autograph

Rueben “Rube” Oldring (1884-1961) was an outfielder and utility infielder in Major League baseball for 13 years, beginning with the New York Highlanders in 1905.
Description
Rueben “Rube” Oldring (1884-1961) was an outfielder and utility infielder in Major League baseball for 13 years, beginning with the New York Highlanders in 1905. The next year he would join the Philadelphia Athletics, where he would spend most of his career, contributing to three championship clubs (1910, 1911, 1913,) (although injuries prevented Oldring from participating in the 1910 World Series.)
Oldring stayed with the Athletics until 1916, where he spent part of a season with the New York Yankees. After a year away from the game, he played one more season with the Athletics before retiring from the Majors
The object is one of a set of 12 cards autographed by professional baseball players, primarily members of the Philadelphia Athletics.
date made
1940s
Associated Name
Philadelphia Athletics
New York Yankees
ID Number
CL.310547.035.10
accession number
CL*310547
catalog number
CL*310547.035.10

Baseball, signed by the 1950 Chicago Cubs

Baseball signed by the 1950 Chicago Cubs. That season the Cubs finished 64-89, finishing 7th in National League.
Description
Baseball signed by the 1950 Chicago Cubs. That season the Cubs finished 64-89, finishing 7th in National League. While the ball is marked "Cubs-1949," the autographs correspond to the 1950 Chicago Cubs team.
Autographs include Frank Frisch; Preston Ward; Wayne Terwilliger; Roy Smalley; Bill Serena; Bob Borkowski; Andy Pafko; Hank Sauer; Mickey Owen; Phil Cavarretta; Rube Walker; Carmen Mauro; Hal Jeffcoat; Ron Northey; Hank Edwards; Bob Rush; Johnny Schmitz; Paul Minner; Frank Hiller; Monk Dubiel; Doyle Lade; Johnny Klippstein; Dutch Leonard.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1949
associated institution
Chicago Cubs
maker
Spalding
ID Number
CL.310547.157
accession number
310547
catalog number
310547.157

Photograph of wheelchair basketball team from St. Albans

Black and white photograph of wheelchair basketball team from St. Albans taken by Ray Werner. Werner was paralyzed below the waist during his World War II service on Guadalcanal in July of 1942. He was sent to a rehabilitation hospital, where sports were used in his treatment.
Description (Brief)
Black and white photograph of wheelchair basketball team from St. Albans taken by Ray Werner. Werner was paralyzed below the waist during his World War II service on Guadalcanal in July of 1942. He was sent to a rehabilitation hospital, where sports were used in his treatment. Werner, a gifted athlete in high school, was a perfect candidate for a new series of rehabilitation programs initiated by the federal government. Wheelchair basketball was the first sport included in these programs, and Werner excelled becoming a pioneer of the sport. He competed in the first Paralympic Games in Rome in 1968 and continued to help disabled veterans, opening a wheelchair repair shop and installing hand controls in cars for drivers with paraplegia.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2016.3137.04
nonaccession number
2016.3137
catalog number
2016.3137.04

Baseball, signed by the 1949 Philadelphia Athletics

Baseball signed by the 1949 Philadelphia Athletics.
Description
Baseball signed by the 1949 Philadelphia Athletics. That season, the A's finished 81-73, 5th in the American League.
Autographs include Connie Mack; Eddie Frost; Nellie Fox; Ferris Fain; Pete Suder; Eddie Joost; Hank Majeski; Wally Moses; Sam Chapman; Elmer Valo; Mike Guerra; Don White; Taffy Wright; Alex Kellner; Joe Coleman; Lou Brissie; Dick Fowler; Carl Scheib; Bobby Shantz.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1949
signer
Mack, Connie
Frost, Eddie
Fox, Nellie
maker
Harwood
ID Number
CL.310547.129
accession number
310547
catalog number
310547.129

Indian Motorcycle

More than 280 motorcycle manufacturers have been recorded in the United States, but only two have had lasting significance or sold in large numbers. One, Harley Davidson, began production in 1903 and is still going strong today.
Description
More than 280 motorcycle manufacturers have been recorded in the United States, but only two have had lasting significance or sold in large numbers. One, Harley Davidson, began production in 1903 and is still going strong today. The other is Indian, which began in 1901 and ceased manufacturing motorcycles for the public in 1953.
By far the most individual and distinctive Indian models were produced in the 1940s; they are characterized by flared, skirted mudguards that convey a strong sense of speed even while standing still. So powerful is this style element that in 1999 Kawasaki copied it for its Drifter cruiser model. This 1941 stock Indian example sits squarely in this streamlined category.
Recreational motorcycle riding became increasingly popular during the Depression and early years of World War II. The number of local clubs chartered by the American Motorcyclist Association grew from about 400 in 1936 to 498 in 1938 and 645 in 1940. Indian motorcycle production grew from about 5,000 per year to 10,000 per year during the same period. Police departments also found motorcycles useful for patrol duty, and and small retail businesses used them for delivery purposes. The years 1940-1941 proved to be a high point for civilian sales and usage. The leading manufacturers, Harley-Davidson and Indian, began producing motorcycles for the British and French armies, and by 1942 they were concentrating on military production for the United States Army. During World War II, many motorcycle enthusiasts entered the armed forces, depleting clubs and reducing pleasure travel. Motorcycle tires, like automobile tires, were rationed. The AMA cancelled its National Gypsy Tour and other club events but automatically renewed memberships for those in the service.
William J. McDaniels of Ohio was the first owner of this motorcycle. Soon after purchasing it, he moved to San Bernardino, California, riding the motorcycle the entire distance. He worked at Norton Air Force Base near San Bernardino in the late 1940s.
The Indian brand name continues to resonate in the motorcycling industry. In the 1990s, three different companies were formed to purchase the rights to the name and begin manufacturing cruisers. But after a brief period (1999-2003), production ceased again.
Reference photograph courtesy of donors Katie and Taylor Smith.
date made
1941
maker
Indian Motorcycle Company
ID Number
2000.0070.01
accession number
2000.0070
catalog number
2000.0070.01

New York Yankees Official Program and Score Card, 1949

This program was bought at a game held at Yankee Stadium on July 5, 194/9. Although the Yankees lost the game to the Boston Red Sox 4-2, they would go on to finish the season 97-57, narrowly edging out Boston for the American League pennant,.
Description
This program was bought at a game held at Yankee Stadium on July 5, 194/9. Although the Yankees lost the game to the Boston Red Sox 4-2, they would go on to finish the season 97-57, narrowly edging out Boston for the American League pennant,. In the World Series the Yankees would defeat their cross-town rivals, the Brooklyn Dodgers, four games to one. It was the Yankees 16th championship.
In Casey Stengel's first year as Yankee's manager, the 1949 Yankees roster were led by a strong pitching staff as well as outfielder Joe Dimaggio, Catcher Yogi Berra, and shortstop Phil Rizzuto.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1949
thru person
Rinsland, George
publisher
Stevens, Harry
associated institution
New York Yankees
Boston Red Sox
maker
Stevens, Harry
ID Number
CL.310547.092A
accession number
310547
catalog number
310547.092A

Chief Bender Autograph

Charles Albert Bender (1884-1954,) one of the stand-out pitchers of the early 20th century, was given the prejudicial nickname “Chief” due to his Ojibwe ancestry (While Bender’s Mother was identified as Chippewa , today his community is typically identified as Anishinaabe or Ojib
Description
Charles Albert Bender (1884-1954,) one of the stand-out pitchers of the early 20th century, was given the prejudicial nickname “Chief” due to his Ojibwe ancestry (While Bender’s Mother was identified as Chippewa , today his community is typically identified as Anishinaabe or Ojibwe.) Born in Crow Wing County, MN, Bender spent time at the White Earth Indian Reservation before attending Pennsylvania’s Carlisle Indian Industrial School and Dickinson College.
In 1903, at the age of 18, Bender joined manager Connie Mack’s Philadelphia Athletics. He would pitch for the A’s the entirety of his career, except for one year spent in the Federal League (1915) and a comeback attempt at the age of 44 with the Chicago White Sox (1925.)
On the A’s, Bender established himself as one of the best World Series performers of all time, winning six games in five World Series, helping guide the team to a trio of championships (19010, 1911, and 1913.) Bender ended his career with a record of 212-127 and a .246 earned run average, having led the American League in Win-Loss percentage three times.
Bender often faced discrimination on the field and in the press, where he was commonly represented with stereotypical terms and imagery. He was elected to Baseball’s Hall of Fame in 1953.
The object is one of a set of 12 cards autographed by professional baseball players, primarily members of the Philadelphia Athletics.
date made
1940s
Associated Name
Philadelphia Athletics
ID Number
CL.310547.035.12
accession number
CL*310547
catalog number
CL*310547.035.12

Baseball, signed by the 1949 Cleveland Indians

Baseball signed by the 1949 Cleveland Indians.
Description
Baseball signed by the 1949 Cleveland Indians. That season the Indians finished 89-65, 3rd in the American League.
Autographs include Lou Boudreau; Mickey Vernon; Early Wynn; Bob Lernon; Joe Gordon; Ken Keltner; Bob Kennedy; Larry Doby; Dale Mitchell; Jim Hegan; Ray Boone; Thurman Tucker; Bob Lemon; Bob Feller; Mike Garcia; Early Wynn; Al Benton; Gene Bearden; Steve Gromek; Satchel Paige.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1949
associated institution
Cleveland Indians
signer
Boudreau, Lou
Vernon, Mickey
Wynn, Early
Lernon, Bob
maker
A. J. Reach Co.
ID Number
CL.310547.131
catalog number
310547.131
accession number
310547

1945 World Series Program, Detroit Tigers vs. Chicago Cubs, autographed by Hal Newhouser

Chicago Cubs home program for their 1945 World Series match up against the Detroit Tigers. The Tigers won the Series four games to three.This program is signed by Detroit pitcher Hal Newhouser.
Description
Chicago Cubs home program for their 1945 World Series match up against the Detroit Tigers. The Tigers won the Series four games to three.
This program is signed by Detroit pitcher Hal Newhouser. In 1945, Newhouser led the American League in wins (25) earned run average (1.81) innings pitched (313.1) and strike outs (212.) For this remarkable season the left hander was awarded his second straight Most Valuable Player award. He would earn two victories in the '45 Series, including the deciding seventh game.
Newhouser was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1992.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1945
thru person
Rinsland, George
associated institution
Detroit Tigers
associated person
Newhouser, Hal
Associated Name
Chicago Cubs
ID Number
CL.310547.095
accession number
310547
catalog number
310547.095

Baseball, signed by the 1949 St. Louis Cardinals

Baseball signed by the 1949 St. Louis Cardinals.
Description
Baseball signed by the 1949 St. Louis Cardinals. That year the Cardinals finished 96-58, second in the National League.
Autographs include Marty Marion; Enos Slaughter; Nippy Jones; Frank Lane; Red Munger; Stan Musial; Joe Garagiola; Fred Martin; Bill Reeder; Gerry Staley; Bill Baker; Ted Wilks; Red Schoendienst; Rocky Nelson; Chuck Diering; Max Lanier; Al Brazle; Del Rice; Ron Northey; Eddie Kazak; Howie Pollett.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1949
associated institution
St. Louis Cardinals
maker
Wilson Sporting Goods Company
ID Number
CL.310547.152
accession number
310547
catalog number
310547.152

Bergen Evening Record article featuring Ray Werner and the Jersey Wheelers

Bergen Evening Record article featuring Ray Werner and the Jersey Wheelers, Saturday March 27, 1954, 2 pages. Werner is the second from the left in the back row. Ray Werner was paralyzed below the waist during his World War II service on Guadalcanal in July of 1942.
Description (Brief)
Bergen Evening Record article featuring Ray Werner and the Jersey Wheelers, Saturday March 27, 1954, 2 pages. Werner is the second from the left in the back row. Ray Werner was paralyzed below the waist during his World War II service on Guadalcanal in July of 1942. He was sent to a rehabilitation hospital, where sports were used in his treatment. Werner, a gifted athlete in high school, was a perfect candidate for a new series of rehabilitation programs initiated by the federal government. Wheelchair basketball was the first sport included in these programs, and Werner excelled becoming a pioneer of the sport. He competed in the first Paralympic Games in Rome in 1968 and continued to help disabled veterans, opening a wheelchair repair shop and installing hand controls in cars for drivers with paraplegia.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1954
ID Number
2016.3137.08
nonaccession number
2016.3137
catalog number
2016.3137.08

Program for wheelchair basketball game, Jersey Wheelers vs. The Bullova's

Program for wheelchair basketball game, Jersey Wheelers vs. The Bullova's. Werner is the second from the left in the back row. Ray Werner was paralyzed below the waist during his World War II service on Guadalcanal in July of 1942.
Description (Brief)
Program for wheelchair basketball game, Jersey Wheelers vs. The Bullova's. Werner is the second from the left in the back row. Ray Werner was paralyzed below the waist during his World War II service on Guadalcanal in July of 1942. He was sent to a rehabilitation hospital, where sports were used in his treatment. Werner, a gifted athlete in high school, was a perfect candidate for a new series of rehabilitation programs initiated by the federal government. Wheelchair basketball was the first sport included in these programs, and Werner excelled becoming a pioneer of the sport. He competed in the first Paralympic Games in Rome in 1968 and continued to help disabled veterans, opening a wheelchair repair shop and installing hand controls in cars for drivers with paraplegia.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1950
ID Number
2016.3137.07
nonaccession number
2016.3137
catalog number
2016.3137.07

On Brave Old Army Team / Anchors Aweigh; Yale "Boola" Song / The Princeton Cannon Song

Jan Garber and his Orchestra. side 1: On Brave Old Army Song [track 1] Anchors Aweigh [track 2]; side 2: Yale "Boola Song" [track 1] The Princeton Cannon Song [track 2] (Capitol 10142), from the album, College Medleys (Capitol CD-95).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Jan Garber and his Orchestra. side 1: On Brave Old Army Song [track 1] Anchors Aweigh [track 2]; side 2: Yale "Boola Song" [track 1] The Princeton Cannon Song [track 2] (Capitol 10142), from the album, College Medleys (Capitol CD-95).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
release date
1948
recording artist
Jan Garber and His Orchestra
manufacturer
Capitol
ID Number
1981.0656.518
maker number
10142
CD-95
accession number
1981.0656
catalog number
1981.0656.518

Race cachet for the World Championship Race at Truckee, California, 1949

Race carried by dog team at the World Championship Sled Dog Race in Truckee, California.
Description (Brief)
Race carried by dog team at the World Championship Sled Dog Race in Truckee, California. This cachet pays homage to the early history of the original purpose of the sled dog which was to provide mail and supplies for early settlers and is carried by each musher during the race.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1949
ID Number
2014.0116.08
accession number
2014.0116
catalog number
2014.0116.09

Baseball, signed by the 1949 New York Yankees

Baseball signed by the 1949 New York Yankees.
Description
Baseball signed by the 1949 New York Yankees. That year the Yankees won the American League with a 97-57 record, winning the World Series by beating the Brooklyn Dodgers 4 games to 1.
Autographs include Joe DiMaggio; Yogi Berra; Joe Page; Allie Reynolds; Bobby Brown; Tommy Henrich; Jerry Coleman; Phil Rizzuto; Hank Bauer; Cliff Mapes; Gene Woodling; Billy Johnson; Johnny Lindell; Dick Kryhoski; Snuffy Stirnweiss; Vic Raschi; Eddie Lopat; Tommy Byrne; Joe Page; Fred Sanford.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1949
associated institution
New York Yankees
signer
DiMaggio, Joe
Berra, Yogi
Page, Joe
Reynolds, Allie
Brown, Bobby
maker
Harwood
ID Number
CL.310547.125
accession number
310547
catalog number
310547.125

Baseball, signed by the 1949 Washington Senators

Autographed baseball signed by the 1949 Washington Senators.
Description
Autographed baseball signed by the 1949 Washington Senators. That season the Senators finished 50-104, 8th in the American League.
Autographs include Eddie Robinson; Al Kozar; Sam Dente; Eddie Yost; Bud Stewart; Clyde Vollmer; Gil Coan; Al Evans; Sherry Robertson; Sam Mele; Buddy Lewis; Sid Hudson; Ray Scarborough; Paul Calvert; Mickey Harris; Lloyd Hittle; Joe Haynes; Dick Weik; Mickey Haefner; Joe Kuhel.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1949
associated institution
Washington Senators
maker
Harwood
ID Number
CL.310547.115
accession number
CL*310547
catalog number
CL*310547.115

Blake style hollow paddle board made in the 1940s

This hollow paddle board was made during the 1940s, and represents Tom Blake’s patented design. When Tom Blake was 18, he met Duke Kahanamoku in a movie theatre lobby in Detroit, Michigan.
Description (Brief)
This hollow paddle board was made during the 1940s, and represents Tom Blake’s patented design. When Tom Blake was 18, he met Duke Kahanamoku in a movie theatre lobby in Detroit, Michigan. A year later he moved to Los Angeles and became a competitive swimmer, competing against Kahanamoku in 1922 and beating him. At 19, Blake became a lifeguard at the Santa Monica Swim Club but it wasn’t until 1924 that he began surfing regularly. Blake visited Hawaii that year and was soon surfing alongside Island regulars and studying the boards of the ancient Hawaiians at the Bishop Museum in Honolulu. It was then that he began to experiment with board construction becoming one of the greatest innovators of the sport to date. He introduced the patented hollow paddleboard in 1931 which cut the board weight in half and fueled the first boom in surfing as the lighter boards made surfing more accessible to the masses. This board would become a standard piece of equipment as a life saving device used by lifeguards throughout the globe. In 1935, his second innovation was the stabilizing fin and although it did not catch on in Hawaii for another five years this design advance is what almost all future board advances were built and became standard in 1940. In 1932, The Thomas Rogers Company of Venice, California carried a line of ‘Tom Blake Hawaiian Paddle Boards’ making Blake one of the first board builders to have his creations mass produced. Blake also became one of the first surf photographers and in 1929 made an underwater housing for a camera he bought from Kahanamoku and proceeded to take photographs of surfers in action, in and under the water. Some of his photographs were published in a 1935 issue of The National Geographic along with his book “Hawaiian Surfboard”, the first book featuring a history of surfing.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1940s
ID Number
2015.0189.01
accession number
2015.0189
catalog number
2015.0189.01

Helmet worn by Andy Granatelli while trying to set a land speed record in a rocket car, 1948

Helmet worn by Andy Granatelli while trying to set a land speed record in a rocket car in 1946.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Helmet worn by Andy Granatelli while trying to set a land speed record in a rocket car in 1946.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1946
user
Granatelli, Vincent J.
maker
Cromwell Hats
ID Number
2017.0092.01
accession number
2017.0092
catalog number
2017.0092.01

Ty Cobb Autograph

Tyrus “Ty” Cobb (1886-1961) played Major League Baseball for 24 years, all but one spent with the American League’s Detroit Tigers. Few players dominated their sport the way Cobb ruled baseball’s diamonds from 1905-1928.
Description
Tyrus “Ty” Cobb (1886-1961) played Major League Baseball for 24 years, all but one spent with the American League’s Detroit Tigers. Few players dominated their sport the way Cobb ruled baseball’s diamonds from 1905-1928. Leading the league in hitting 11 (or 12, depending on your source) times, the outfielder’s .367 career batting average remains the highest in baseball’s history. Irascible and aggressive, the man known as “The Georgia Peach” set records that remain near the top of the baseball’s record board in numerous offensive categories, being second all-time in hits (4,191) and runs (2,245,) third in stolen bases (897,) and eighth in runs batted in (1,944.) On the other side of the field, Cobb was less successful, with 271 defensive errors, still the most for any outfielder.
Cobb captured three consecutive American League pennants (1907-1909,) but never won a World Series. A triple crown winner in 1909, he was named the AL’s Most Valuable Player in 1911. In 1921, Cobb took on player-manager duties for the Tigers, a job he would perform until leaving Detroit in 1927, when he joined the Philadelphia Athletics. Now in his forties, Cobb would retire after two seasons with the A’s.
In modern times, Cobb’s reputation has been tarnished by widely held beliefs that the prickly Southerner was a vehement racist
In 1936, Cobb was the leading vote getter for the Baseball Hall of Fame’s inaugural class.
The object is one of a set of 12 cards autographed by professional baseball players, primarily members of the Philadelphia Athletics.
date made
1949
Associated Name
Cobb, Tyrus Raymond
Philadelphia Athletics
Detroit Tigers
ID Number
CL.310547.035.05
accession number
CL*310547
catalog number
CL*310547.035.05

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