Heritage Auctions’ upcoming Platinum Night event is set to make waves in the world of sports memorabilia with the inclusion of an extraordinary piece of baseball history—an original poster from the 1888-89 Spalding Australian Baseball Tour. This rare artifact, one of only two known surviving posters, marks a significant chapter in the sport’s history, showcasing a barnstorming tour led by baseball legend and sporting goods tycoon Albert G. Spalding.
Taking place on February 24-25, Heritage Auctions’ Platinum Night will feature almost 2,800 items, ranging from the era of Old Judge cards to the modern exploits of stars like Aaron Judge. However, it is the poster from the Spalding Australian Baseball Tour that stands out as one of the key lots. The fact that the other known copy of this poster resides in the Baseball Hall of Fame serves as a testament to its rarity and historical significance.
Measuring an impressive 42 inches by 28 inches, the poster is being hailed by Heritage Auctions as “the most astonishing eight square feet of paper” they have ever presented in their auctions. Its design is reminiscent of the imagery found on Old Judge and N284 Buchner Gold Coin cards, featuring players who participated in the tour, including future Hall of Famers Cap Anson, John Montgomery Ward, and Ned Hanlon.
The Spalding Australian Baseball Tour was a groundbreaking venture envisioned by Albert G. Spalding to promote baseball globally. The tour saw the Chicago White Stockings facing off against an All America team assembled by Spalding himself following the 1888 season. The teams traveled to various destinations, including the Sandwich Islands (now Hawaii), New Zealand, Ceylon, Egypt, Italy, France, and England. The tour culminated in games played in Australian cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Ballarat.
This ambitious undertaking was not only a bold attempt to promote baseball but also highlighted its status as America’s game. With Spalding personally investing $30,000 and securing an endorsement from President Grover Cleveland, the tour garnered significant attention and was celebrated upon the teams’ return with a banquet at the prestigious Delmonico’s restaurant in New York City.
The rare poster, beyond its historical value, offers a captivating snapshot of the early professionalization of baseball and its efforts to reach a global audience. With a pre-sale estimate of $100,000, it presents a unique opportunity for passionate collectors to own a tangible piece of the sport’s storied past and showcase this remarkable artifact to future generations.
Heritage Auctions’ Platinum Night event is undoubtedly a must-watch for sports memorabilia enthusiasts and history buffs alike. The inclusion of the rare 1888-89 Spalding Australian Baseball Tour poster adds a level of excitement, offering a chance to own a tangible link to a significant chapter in baseball history. As the bids start rolling in, collectors will eagerly compete for the opportunity to secure this remarkable artifact that embodies the sport’s enduring legacy.
