Lot # 2389: 1930 Walter Johnson Baseball Game

The colorful cover to this "Walter Johnson Base Ball Game" features an impressive pitching image of the legendary "Big Train." Collectors often assume this classic game was issued in the 1920s, because it has that early look to it, and Johnson's career as a pitcher lasted well into the 1920s. However, the game was actually introduced in 1930 and marketed until around 1940, long after his playing days, around the time he ran for U.S. Congress in Maryland. In addition to Johnson's image, his rousing endorsement appears in the lower-right corner: "Next Best to the Real Game - Walter Johnson." The game includes the playing field ("game board"), a metal spinner (the cap unscrews and holds the player pieces), ten metal "player" pieces, the directions, and a single blank score sheet. The interior components display normal wear (there is a small tear along the score sheet) and are in Excellent condition overall. The box (10 x 14 x 2 inches) is in Very Good condition overall with a few minor creases to the lid. The box as a whole displays in Very Good to Excellent condition overall.