The Following Lot Originates from the Jake Virtue Estate Collection (click here for info.)
NOTE: The lot heading and description for this item have changed. The date of this photo is believed to be 1892.
With a 25 year-old flamethrower named Cy Young on the mound, the Cleveland Spiders were a formidable National League force in the early 1890s. In 1891 Young won 27, then 36 in 1892. In the latter season the Spiders won the second half pennant race but lost to Boston in the 9-game championship series. The following season the pitching mound was moved from 55 feet 6 inches to its present position of 60 feet 6 inches. While many pitchers faltered and lost their effectiveness, the Spiders’ ace hardly noticed, winning 34 games for the season. This photograph captures the 1892 Cleveland Spiders in all their glory. The photograph comes from the collection of Jake Virtue, the Spiders’ first baseman from 1890 to 1894. Measuring roughly 7 by 4-1/4 inches, the sepia toned team photograph is particularly significant in that it includes a young Cy Young at the very beginning of his Hall of Fame career in addition to three other Hall of Famers; Jesse Burkett, George Davis and John Clarkson. The entirety of subjects pictured is believed to be as follows: Standing L-R: Nig Cuppy, Jack O'Connor, Cupid Childs, Patsy Tebeau, Jesse Burkett, Ed McKean, Jake Virtue. Kneeling L-R: George Davis, Jimmy McAleer, Cy Young, Chief Zimmer, John Clarkson. The back is stamped with “Photographed by W.H. Barnum CLEVELAND, O.” in blue along with several notations in different hands including “Jake Virtue 2nd row on right end” in blue pen. The photo shows heavy edge wear with clipped corners and uneven trimming. The photo has been cracked diagonally and secured with vintage tape. Despite its condition issues, the image remains very sharp with the facial expressions and detail of the players crystal clear. LOA from the Jake Virtue Estate.