Heritage Auctions’ upcoming Platinum Night sale is gearing up to showcase a truly extraordinary piece of baseball history. The auction, scheduled for February 24-25, will feature a rare poster advertising the 1888-89 Spalding Australian Baseball Tour. This artifact, one of only two known surviving posters, offers a captivating glimpse into a significant chapter in the sport’s history.
The Spalding Australian Baseball Tour was a barnstorming expedition led by the legendary Albert G. Spalding, who was not only a prominent figure in the baseball world but also the owner of a successful sporting goods company. Following the 1888 season, Spalding organized a tour that pitted the Chicago White Stockings against an All America team handpicked by himself.
The highlight of Heritage Auctions’ Platinum Night sale, this poster stands out among nearly 2,800 items, ranging from the days of Old Judge cards to the modern achievements of players like Aaron Judge. Its rarity is further emphasized by the fact that the other known copy of the poster currently resides in the hallowed halls of the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Measuring an impressive 42 inches by 28 inches, the poster has been hailed as “the most astonishing eight square feet of paper” ever presented by Heritage Auctions. The artwork on the poster is reminiscent of Old Judge and N284 Buchner Gold Coin cards, featuring images of players who participated in the tour. Notably, future Hall of Famers such as Cap Anson, John Montgomery Ward, and Ned Hanlon are prominently featured.
As a grand venture envisioned by Spalding, the tour aimed to promote 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 journey concluded with games held in Australian cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Ballarat. Spalding invested $30,000 of his own money in this massive endeavor and even secured an endorsement from President Grover Cleveland.
The promotional effort during the tour not only showcased the appeal of baseball but also cemented its position as America’s game. The venture garnered significant attention, culminating in a festive banquet at Delmonico’s restaurant in New York City upon the teams’ return.
Beyond its undeniable historical value, the poster offers a fascinating glimpse into the early professionalization of baseball and its ambitions to captivate a global audience. With a pre-sale estimate of $100,000, this rare artifact represents a remarkable opportunity for collectors to own a tangible piece of the sport’s storied past.
Heritage Auctions’ Platinum Night sale promises to be a highly anticipated event for baseball enthusiasts and collectors alike. Don’t miss your chance to bid on this remarkable poster and immerse yourself in the rich history of America’s favorite pastime.
