Lot # 2170: August 21, 1884 Philadelphia Phillies (vs. Cleveland Blues) Harry Wright Scorecard

This fold-over scorecard, issued for an 1884 National League game between the Philadelphia Phillies and Cleveland Blues at Philadelphia’s Recreation Park, features a colorful image of a romantic scene on the front cover and a tobacco advertisement printed on the back cover. When Harry Wright became Phillies’ manager in 1884, part of his compensation was the club would use his scorecard at games and he would receive, in addition to his salary, a percentage of the fees businesses paid to advertise on the scorecard. The lettering "Harry Wright's Official Score Card" is printed along the base of the interior. The preprinted lineups include Manning, Andrews, Mulvey, Purcell, and Farrar for Philadelphia, and Phillips, Pickney, Muldoon and Moore for Cleveland. Neatly scored in black ink to record a 20-1 Philadelphia win. The location and date, "Played at Philadelphia Aug 21st 1884" are written in black ink along the top of the scoring side and research confirms that this game took place on that date. The scorecard (5-3/4 x 6-3/4 inches, unfolded) displays a light crease and moderate surface wear. In Very Good condition overall.