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1888 Louisville Joseph Hall Cabinet

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1888 Louisville Joseph Hall Team Cabinet

Exceptional team cabinet photograph (4.25 x 6.5 inches) by the legendary Joseph Hall features the Louisville club of the American Association. Joseph Hall team cabinets have long been revered by collectors as one of the most highly prized of all nineteenth-century cabinet issues. Louisville did not exactly tear up the league in 1888, winding up second to last with a 48-87 record. They do, however, pose proudly in this most classic team pose, at this time unaware of what the upcoming season will bring. Pitching ace Thomas Ramsey (whose nickname – and we're not making this up – was "Toad") is one of the few in this photograph to look squarely into the camera's eye, exuding poise and confidence. He went on to lose an astounding 30 games in 1888 (versus 8 victories), setting the pace for one of Louisville's most dismal seasons. Not all nineteenth-century teams were Champions. And not every team was stocked with what are now household names (though this team is highlighted by legendary slugger Pete Browning). Baseball was a tough sport in this era. The image captures the essence of the many non-Championship teams of the era, which were routinely trounced by clubs great and good (and sometimes less than good). A rarely offered example from the Joseph Hall team cabinet series. Flawless contrast. Excellent condition. Reserve $1,000. Estimate $2,000/$3,000.

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