This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/1/2010
In 1895, the Baltimore Orioles finished three games ahead of the Cleveland Spiders to win their second consecutive National League championship. To determine the post-season champion of the League, these two teams would subsequently square off in the second annual Temple Cup series. The offered souvenir program from the personal collection Willie Keeler was issued for a Baltimore Orioles team benefit celebration produced by the Digby Bell Opera Co. on Oct. 7th and 8th, 1895. This celebration of the Orioles National League Championship was held at the Harris Academy of Music, coinciding with the team’s unsuccessful conclusion of the Temple Cup series. Beautifully designed and thoughtfully composed, this program recounts the Orioles' 1895 season with colorful prose. The 28-page book features biographical vignettes of manager Ned Hanlon and sixteen team members, including Wilbert Robinson, John McGraw, Joe Kelley, William Gleason, Hugh Jennings and its former owner Willie Keeler. A photographic composite of the squad appears on the fourth page. The overall appearance of the 7" by 5-5/8" publication is remarkably fresh for it’s age with minimal handling wear consisting of a small stain on the upper right area of the cover and mild spine wear. The interior pages are firmly in tact, contributing to an overall grade of EX-EX/MT. The embossed graphics on the cover are highly ornate. A supremely rare and appealing souvenir, made all the more so by its incredible Hall of Fame player provenance. Includes a letter of provenance form the Keeler family.