This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/10/2021
This is the first World Series commemorative piece ever issued! It is a rare and historic gold-colored pendant presented to Boston Americans catcher Jake Stahl in recognition of the club's victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first modern-day World Series in 1903. The World Series as we know it today originated in 1903 when Barney Dreyfuss and Henry Killilea, the respective owners of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Boston Americans (they would change their name to the Red Sox in 1907), agreed in August to match their first-place clubs in a best-of-nine postseason series that fall to determine what they declared to be the "World's Champions."
This elegant memento consists of a small globe attached to a shield-shaped pendant that displays raised-relief designs on the front and the reverse. The front design features a crossed-bats-and-ball motif in the center, flanked by an Old English "B" on the left, and an "A" on the right (for Boston Americans). The lettering reads "Boston American League Team" at the top and "Worlds Champions 1903" at the bottom. The reverse features a floral design and lettering that reads "Presented to Garland Stahl C./Boston American/League Team/By/The Boston Globe/1903." The "C" after Stahl's name denotes his position, catcher. The pendant is attached by a small chain link to a worn leather strap, which could be attached to a lapel or used as a watch fob. The pendant (approximately 1.25 x 2 inches) displays minor wear and remains in excellent to mint condition.
Jake Stahl had a notable career in baseball. 1903 marked Stahl's first season in the Major Leagues and he spent his first year with Boston as a backup catcher. Stahl led the AL in home runs in the 1910 season and in 1912 he took over as player/manager of the Red Sox, leading the club to a World Series Championship. Stahl’s 1912 success was short-lived as a falling out with the team resulted in Stahl being released in midseason 1913. He promptly retired from baseball and pursued his business career in banking. Stahl passed away at the young age of 43 after contracting tuberculosis.