This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/14/2010
ADDENDUM IN 1894 KANSAS CITY TEAM WAS CALLED THE BLUES NOT THE COWBOYS.
Rare 4 3/8" by 5 1/2" photo of the 1894 Kansas City Blues of the Western League, of which a young Hall of Fame pitcher Joe "Iron Man" McGinnity was a member. Photo originally belonged to team member George W. Darby and was given by him "To my Friend Dud Branom". Darby has written in vintage red ink on the front bottom center "Kansas City 1894 & 95" and placed numbers with each of the players. On the back he has identified them in the same red ink. "Harry Howe RP, Tim Donahue C, Jimmie Manning Mgr & 2B, Billy Niles 3B, Pete Daniels P, Sammy Nichols CF, Tommy Hernon LF, J. Peck Sharp SS, 9 Bill Klushman 1B, Joe McGinity P The Iron Man, George Ulric C & U, George W. Darby P". McGinnity had a rough seaon before his release from the Blues, getting hammered in many of his starts. Years later a story circulated that the reason for his being hit so hard was a personal grudge catcher Donahue had with him which resulted in his tipping off the opposing batters to McGinnity's pitches. In another hand on front someone has written in blue ink "Kansas City Blues" at the top border and "1894-95" at the bottom. On back in pencil another hand has written both Branom's and Darby's addresses. Photo image is very clear, especially the faces, with some lightning of the picture around the edges. Some creasing at the corners. Outstanding early image picturing the Hall of Famer, Joe McGinnity, five years before he burst onto the major league scene with 28 wins his first year with Baltimore.