The owner of this visually unassuming cardboard pass – one Mr. Marshal P. Wilder – was entitled to watch the genesis of future dynasties. Signed in bold black fountain pen ink by the organization's first president, "Jos. Gordon," the offered credential allowed Mr. Wilder to witness the birth and the earliest campaigns of the New York Highlanders ... the "Greater New York Base Ball Club of the American League" franchise that would become the mighty and magical New York Yankees in 1913. In 1903, the former Baltimore Orioles of the American League moved to New York and were known as the Highlanders. A site for a ballpark was chosen near the Hudson River. Opening Day came on April 30, 1903, when the New York Highlanders played the Washington Senators. This pass – a fantastic early relic of the storied Yankees – was termed a "Season Card,"and was presumably valid for a season from the 1903 opener through the end of Mr. Gordon's tenure in 1906. The item is housed in a framed display that also holds reminders of key elements in Highlanders history: illustrations of Hall of Fame manager Clark Griffith, 1904 41-game winner Jack Chesbro and Hilltop Park, with descriptive plaques for each of these. An amazing and unique presentation! This item comes with a full JSA LOA.

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