Lot # 23: 1882 New York Metropolitans Team Cabinet SGC VG 40

Graded VG 40 by SGC. Rare team cabinet photo capturing the 1882 New York Metropolitans. The photo shows 12 team members in uniform posing together in a formal studio setting. Both the team and year are identified in black lettering along the base of the mount: "Metropolitan Baseball Nine 1882." The photographer's credit and copyright notice ("1882 by N. Sarony") also appear at the base of the mount. According to the Library of Congress, which owns an example of this team cabinet, the players pictured here are identified as follows: (Standing, left to right) Jack Lynch, Charlie Reipschlager, Tip O'Neill, Eddie Kennedy, John Clapp, John Doyle, Frank Hankinson, and Steve Brady. (Sitting, left to right) Tom Mansell, Terry Larkin, Candy Nelson, and John Reilly. The New York Metropolitans were an independent professional team founded in 1880 by John B. Day and Jim Mutrie, who also managed the club. The Metropolitans were also the first team to call the Polo Grounds home. In 1883, the Metropolitans joined the American Association, which was formed in 1882 as a Major League rival to the National League. The Metropolitans enjoyed early success in the American Association, winning the pennant in 1884 behind an offense led by Dude Esterbrook and the pitching of future Hall of Famer Tim Keefe. Unfortunately, team owner John Day also owned the New York Gothams (later known as the Giants) of the National League and, following the 1884 season, he sent Keefe, Esterbrook, and manager Jim Mutrie to the Gothams, which drastically changed the fortunes of each team, in opposite directions. The Metropolitans folded after the 1887 season, while the Giants went on to win World Championships in 1888 and 1889. The cabinet (6.5 x 4.25 inches) displays only some light wear along the perimeter and remains in exceptional condition.