This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/6/2022
Doc Powers attended Louisville Medical College while playing Major League Baseball for the Lousiville Colonels along with teammates Honus Wagner, Fred Clark, and Rube Waddell. Although his skills on the diamond weren't quite up to par, he was able to find a spot as a catcher on the squad and also helped out with medical needs for the team. Powers, unfortunately, did not have the best luck with his health and died of an intestinal ailment shortly after the opening of Shibe Park in 1909. A mass of over 7,000 attended his funeral, while a flag was flown at half-mast at Shibe Park and the A's wore black ribbons on their jerseys as a commemorative effort. The following year, "Doc Powers" day was put on by the American League and set up to raise funds for Powers' loved ones. About 12,000 people were in attendance and $8,000 was raised through a set of baseball skills competitions and an exhibition game.
Offered in this lot is a 5"x4" loving cup presented to James P. Austin. The trophy honors Austin for his 2nd place finish for "ENCIRCLING THE BASES" during Doc Powers Day. Austin recorded an impressive 14.6 second time, enough to place him as the runner-up in the competition. An impressive relic from a special memorial day in baseball history. The loving cup remains in excellent condition, especially when considering that the item is over 110 years old.