This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/19/2016
George Wright (D. 1937) was an American pioneer in the sport of baseball. He played shortstop for the original Cincinnati Red Stockings, the first fully professional team, when he was the game's best player. In 1868, Wright won the Clipper Medal for being the best shortstop in baseball. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1937. He was one of five men to play regularly for both the Cincinnati and the Boston Red Stockings, the latter winning six championships during his eight seasons to 1878. On April 22, 1876, he became the first batter in National League history, and grounded out to the shortstop. Elder brother Harry Wright managed both Red Stockings teams and made George his cornerstone; the brothers are now both in the Hall of Fame. George helped define the shortstop position and on-field teamwork, but his main work as a sporting developer came after retiring from baseball.
After arriving in Boston he entered the sporting goods business under the name Wright & Ditson's and assisted in the development of golf, tennis, and hockey. The history of Wright & Ditson is woven into the early fabric of American sports, from the first official ball of the U.S. Davis Cup to the publication of Wright & Ditson's Guide to American Golf, as approved by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews in 1899. Founded in 1871 by Baseball Hall of Famer George Wright and Boston businessman Henry Ditson, the company began as a purveyor of tennis, golf, and baseball equipment. The company was known for its precision craftsmanship from tennis rackets to golf clubs and by the turn of the century, baseball equipment. By the early 1900s, Wright & Ditson stood alone as the singular purveyor of sports equipment and apparel in the U.S.
We offer a gorgeous document measuring 7.25 x 11 inches which is mounted on a larger piece of paper that measures 8 x 13 inches. It’s dated January 23, 1917 and is titled “Waiver Of Notice Meeting” for the Directors of Wright & Ditson.
Additional document from another meeting adhered to the back of the page and signed by J.A. Addelman (west coast manager of Wright & Ditson
The signatures that adorn this document include:
• George Wright (D. 1937)
• Johnny Morrill (D. 1932) (former player and manager of the Boston Red Stockings, 1876-1890). In an incredible season in 1883, he batted .316, played six different positions, and led the Boston Beaneaters to the National League pennant after taking over as manager from Jack Burdock in midseason.
• W. Wallace Furze (d. 1958)
• And two others
Amazing and historical piece!!!
Letter of Authenticity from Richard Albersheim.
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