Winter 2020 Catalog Auction Ending Feb 22
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This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/23/2020

Offered is a rare scorecard/program from the 1920 Major League Baseball season when the Cleveland Indians visited the New York Yankees, the series in which Yankees pitcher Carl Mays beaned Indians shortstop Ray Chapman, the only MLB player to die from an on-field injury. The Yankees were trailing the Indians when Ray Chapman came to the plate in the fifth inning on August 16, 1920. Mays was pursuing his 100th career win that day. Chapman had a sacrifice bunt in the first inning and popped up to Yankee first baseman Wally Pipp in the third. Angered that Chapman was crowding the plate, Mays let loose with a high fastball that he claimed was in the strike zone, but that Chapman apparently never saw. The impact of the ball striking Chapman in the head was so loud that Mays, thinking it had hit Chapman's bat and was in play, caught the ball as it bounced onto the field and threw it to Pipp at first base. Chapman, trying to take his base after the hit by pitch, fell to the ground twice and was unable to get up.

Cleveland teammate Tris Speaker raced from the on-deck circle to check on Chapman. He was joined by several players from the Indians and Yankees. Mays, however, never left the mound. Chapman was taken to a hospital, where surgeons operated and discovered a skull fracture. He initially seemed to rally after the surgery but died early in the morning on the following day. Mays stayed in the game and continued to pitch until being replaced in the ninth inning. Cleveland won the game 4–3. The New York District Attorney determined that the incident was an accident, and no charges were filed.  The 12-page (including covers) printed 6¾ x 9¾-inch white paper booklet has two-color artwork on the four covers, and a scorecard centerspread with the Giants and Indians rosters. The front cover bears the headline “Official 5c Score Card New York American League Polo Grounds Season 1920” across the top over advertisements for Adams Pepsin Gum and Between the Acts Little Cigars. It was published by Harry M. Stevens. The front and back covers are slightly discolored due to age, otherwise the program is in very good condition, with no tears or creases.

1920 New York Yankees & Cleveland Indians Scorecard From Carl Mays Beans Ray Chapman Series
Bidding
Current Bidding
Minimum Bid: $200.00
Final prices include buyers premium.: $840.00
Number Bids: 8
Auction closed on Sunday, February 23, 2020.
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