This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/4/2016
Offered is an extremely rare early World Series program from the Old West Side Grounds in Chicago, from Game 2 of that historic five game Series. Historic due to the 1908 Fall Classic being the last time the Chicago Cubs franchise won the World Series. Yes, in the 108 years since, the Cubs have not won the World Series while they have experienced the Billy Goat hex (1945), a September collapse (1969), June swoons (late-1970s), critical NLCS errors (1984) and foul ball fiascos (Steve Bartman in 2003).
Many years of heartbreak since 1908, but the time for the North Siders are beginning to improve. Similarly to how in 2004 the Boston Red Sox fans rallied around their team after not winning a World Series for 86 years, the 2016 Cubs fans are rallying around this year’s squad as they appear to be the best team in the early going of the season.
However it ends this season, in 1908 the Cubs were the cream of the crop. After winning 99 games during the regular season, the Cubs roster boasted Hall of Fame pitcher Mordecai “Three Finger” Brown plus the popular Hall of Fame infield triumvirate of Joe Tinker, Johnny Evers and Frank Chance.
During Game 2, Joe Tinker was the hero at bat, blasting a two-run homer over Ty Cobb’s head into the temporary seats to give the Cubs a 2-0 lead. Up to that point, this scorecard indicates quite a pitcher’s duel between Chicago’s Orval Overall and Detroit’s Wild Bill Donovan. Each hurler punched zeros on the board until that Tinker two-run blast. The Cubbies then belted the ball all over the park, tallying four more runs and winning the game 6-1. This win gave the Cubs a commanding 2-0 series lead.
This program was meticulously scored by the game’s attendee in pencil, with all plays clearly defined. Pre-printed names are within the scorecard portion with the Tigers lineup including Ty Cobb, Sam Crawford making five Hall of Famers in total who played in this contest. The 16-page program measures 7.25 x 9.75 inches, and still retains the same appeal today as it did when sold for “one thin dime” that October 11, 1908 day at the West Side Grounds. The spine is extremely sturdy and the two original staples exhibits some light oxidation on the inside but show zero oxidation when viewed from the outside. The pages have very little wear, save for some very light peripheral touches and the lower right corner exhibiting some light wrinkling. There is also some light soling on the back cover. However, none of these “issues” are a deterrent to the tremendous overall visual appeal this program projects, and considering this example was “handled” by the original owner, the overall condition is tremendous. The back couple of pages include oval portraits of the Cubs players, with most (if not all) being Charles Conlan photographs, the exact same images which appear in the T206 baseball card set. Within the back cover are the portraits of the Cub executives, which are printed on a different stock. Over time these ovals have “lifted” off and are silhouetted onto the prior page of Cubs portraits. This also does not detract from the quality of the program as is mentioned strictly for the sake of accuracy.
This program is in Excellent overall condition.
The 1908 Series is historic for several reasons. First, that two-run Tinker home run was the first “official” home run in World Series history due to rule changes made in 1905. Second, the Cubs were in the World Series the prior two years in 1906 and 1907 making the 1908 Series the first time a team appeared in three consecutive World Series. Finally, this was the last time the lovable Cubs won the World Series, the longest championship drought in baseball history.
The Chicago Cubs franchise has been through decades of heartbreak, with the team seemingly finding new ways to avoid winning the World Series. However, this current season may prove different, but no matter what happens in 2016, over 100 years earlier the Chicago Cubs were the best team in baseball, winning the World Series over the mighty Cobb-led Detroit Tigers. This Game 2 scored program gave the Cubs a virtually insurmountable two game lead, and were well on their way to a five game triumph. Only a handful of programs from this historic World Series exist, and none we have researched which are scored.
Goldin Auctions is proud to offer this 1908 World Series program, a high grade example from the last World Series victory of the Chicago Cubs – likely the nicest Chicago scored example extant.