This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/24/2016
This offered banner pays tribute to one of the eight charter franchises of the American League, the Chicago White Stockings, who entered baseball in 1901 and promptly won the first AL pennant. There was no World Series at that point, so that was that. The team name was shortened to the White Sox the following season. If the C logo and team colors look similar to their cross-town rival Cubbies, there is a good reason for it. The Chicago Cubs were in fact founded as the Chicago White Stockings in 1876 and changed their name to the Colts in 1890 and the Orphans in 1898 before adopting the 'Cubs' in 1903. But it was the White Sox franchise who won the inaugural American League pennant in 1901, and this banner serves as a lovely memento of that accomplishment. Manufacturer's tagging from W.G.N. Flag Co. (no relation to the TV network) at 7984 S. Chicago Ave. does not indicate the year of production, but based on the material used and NM condition (no holes or tears) it would appear post-WWII and likely in the 1970's or 80's.. According to John Hamilton, founder of the Newport Sports Museum, the five by eight-foot banner was flown at Comiskey Park up until the stadium was demolished in 1990.
Includes Letter of Provenance from the Newport Sports Museum.