Lot # 2346: 1889 Brooklyn Bridegrooms BBC (vs. Baltimore) Yearbook-Style Program

Brooklyn BBC yearbook-style program issued for an American Association game against the Baltimore Orioles in 1889. Perhaps it was the optimism felt by the team's strong second-place showing in the 1888 season. Or maybe it was simply a matter of aesthetic sensibilities. Whatever the reason, in 1889 the Brooklyn Bridegrooms ceased producing simple two-page fold-over scorecards for their games (the norm for nearly all other teams of that era) and instead issued magnificent 32-page "yearbook" style programs. These official scorebooks are very substantial, with interior pages featuring full-page individual portraits and brief player biographies, along with local advertising. The programs were obviously a hit with fans as the team repeated the practice in 1890. The offered 32-page program features fifteen individual portrait photos, including McGunnigle (manager), Foutz, Terry, Pinkney, Smith, O'Brien, Caruthers, Burns, Collins, Corkhill, and Clark. The interior preprinted scorecard includes O'Brien, Foutz, Pinkney, and Burns for Brooklyn, and Griffin, Shindle, Tucker, and Mack for Baltimore. Neatly scored in pencil to record a 7-2 Brooklyn victory. Research confirms that the two 7-2 home wins against Baltimore in 1889 occurred on April 30th (second game of doubleheader) and September 29th. In 1889, the Bridegrooms were champions of the American Association but were defeated by their crosstown rivals, the New York Giants, in the World Series. The program (5 x 6.5 inches) displays ink and pencil marks on the front cover, light creasing, and oxidation to the single binding staple. The covers have separated at the spine (back cover reattached with glue). There are edge tears and a chipped corner on back cover. In Poor to Fair condition overall. This a very desirable Brooklyn program dating from the club's only American Association championship season.