Heritage Auctions is gearing up for its highly anticipated Platinum Night event, and this year, it will showcase an extraordinary piece of baseball history: a poster from the 1888-89 Spalding Australian Baseball Tour. This rare artifact, one of only two known surviving posters, marks a significant chapter in the sport’s history and offers collectors a chance to own a piece of baseball folklore.
Scheduled for February 24-25, the Platinum Night sale will feature nearly 2,800 items, ranging from vintage Old Judge cards to memorabilia reflecting the modern exploits of players like Aaron Judge. However, the star of the show is undoubtedly the 1888-89 Spalding Australian Baseball Tour poster. The other known copy of this poster currently resides in the Baseball Hall of Fame, emphasizing its rarity and historical significance.
Heritage Auctions proudly describes this poster as “the most astonishing eight square feet of paper” ever presented in their auctions. Measuring 42 inches by 28 inches, the poster displays images reminiscent of the iconic Old Judge and N284 Buchner Gold Coin baseball cards. Notably, the poster features the portraits of players who participated in the tour, including legendary figures like Cap Anson, John Montgomery Ward, and Ned Hanlon—players who would later be enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame.
The 1888-89 Spalding Australian Baseball Tour was a groundbreaking venture envisioned by Albert G. Spalding to promote the sport globally. The teams embarked on a whirlwind tour that took them through various countries, including the Sandwich Islands (now known as Hawaii), New Zealand, Ceylon, Egypt, Italy, France, and England. The tour concluded with games played in Australian cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Ballarat. Spalding invested $30,000 of his own money into this ambitious endeavor and even secured an endorsement from President Grover Cleveland.
This promotional effort not only showcased baseball’s international appeal but also solidified its status as America’s game. The tour garnered significant attention and was met with enthusiastic crowds wherever the teams played. Upon their return to the United States, a celebratory banquet was held at the prestigious Delmonico’s restaurant in New York City.
The 1888-89 Spalding Australian Baseball Tour poster offers collectors a unique glimpse into the early professionalization of baseball and the sport’s efforts to reach a global audience. Beyond its historical value, the poster serves as a reminder of baseball’s enduring legacy and its ability to captivate fans worldwide. With a pre-sale estimate of $100,000, it presents a rare and exciting opportunity for collectors to own a tangible piece of the sport’s storied past.
As the Heritage Auctions Platinum Night sale approaches, collectors and baseball enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the chance to bid on this remarkable artifact. The poster’s historical significance, rarity, and connection to baseball legends make it a must-have for any serious collector. Whether it finds its new home in a private collection, museum, or a dedicated baseball memorabilia exhibit, the 1888-89 Spalding Australian Baseball Tour poster will undoubtedly continue to captivate and inspire future generations with its timeless appeal.
