ORIGINAL 1865 EARLY BASEBALL GAME ENGRAVING FRANK LESLIE’S NEWSPAPER FULL ISSUE

Original and complete November 4 1865 issue of "Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper" featuring a remarkable two-page centerfold woodcut engraving (15.5" x 22") depicting both a baseball game in progress and images of the top players from all of the local New York and New Jersey Teams. The caption at the bottom reads "Great Base Ball Match Between the Atlantic and Eckford Clubs of Brooklyn at the Union Base Ball Grounds, Brooklyn, E.D., Oct. 13, With Portraits Of The Leading Players Of The Principal Clubs Of New York, Brooklyn And Newark." All players are identified w/exception of individual pictured at right center. He is believed by most historians today to be Henry Chadwick, "The Father of Baseball." This is also believed to be the earliest known baseball image of Chadwick who was amongst the first group of pioneers elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame.Prominently featured in this engraving is James Creighton, who passed away tragically on the field at 21 in 1862. Creighton is pictured at top center within a black shroud as he looks down upon the game below. This is one of just a few contemporary baseball pieces known that features a likeness of Creighton, making it both a rare and highly significant 19th Century display piece. Creighton, who is believed to be the first professional player, was the greatest player of his era and revolutionized pitching. The fact that three years after his death he was still so highly regarded in the sport that his image would be featured here among the other stars of the day is fitting testimony to his importance. Scarce in any condition, but extremely rare in such good condition, this is universally regarded as the premier 19th Century baseball woodcut engraving.LIKE THIS ITEM? BUT DON’T LIKE THE PRICE? MAKE US AN OFFER!