284

[John A. Whipple], photographer.

Team portrait of the Harvard baseball team.

[Cambridge, MA, 1867]
Albumen photograph, 5¾ x 7¾ inches, on original plain mount (probably from a class album); minimal wear.

  • Notes: The Harvard Base Ball Club was composed of undergraduates and one recent graduate. George A. Flagg, Class of 1866 (seated, far left) had helped form Harvard's first club as a freshman back in December 1862. Team captain James Barr Ames, Class of 1868 (seated center), went on to become a noted law professor. Gardner Goodrich Willard, Class of 1869 (standing, second from left) would follow Ames as captain. He is the only one of these young men with a known connection to professional baseball--he umpired one game in the National Association in 1871. 

    The players are gathered around the Silver Ball trophy, which was granted to the champions of the New England Association of Base Ball Players from 1864 until frustration with poor sportsmanship caused the league leadership to have it smelted in 1868. 
  • Condition:
    Please contact the Specialist for the auction to request a condition report.

    Condition reports and additional images are provided as a courtesy and should be used by you to aid in the formation of your own opinion regarding condition. All material is sold subject to Swann's standard Terms and Conditions of Sale as published in our catalogues and posted on our website, and include the following terms: (1) all property is sold "as-is"; and (2) works cannot be returned on the basis of condition.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Upon request, Swann will facilitate the shipping of purchases to out-of-town buyers at an additional charge for packing, shipping and insurance, but will not be responsible for any loss, damage or delay resulting from the packing, handling and shipping thereof. Unless specific instructions are received, Swann is the sole judge of the method to be used for shipment. Packing and shipping costs will be noted on the invoice mailed to successful bidders after the sale, and are based on the actual costs involved. Be advised that a full commercial invoice must accompany any purchase shipped outside the US.

November 20, 2025 10:30 AM EST
New York, NY, US

Swann Auction Galleries

You agree to pay a buyer’s premium, as outlined below, and any applicable taxes and shipping.
Buyer's Premium
$0 - $100,000:
27.00%
$100,001 - $1,000,000:
22.00%
$1,000,001+:
12.00%

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $149 $10
$150 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $5,999 $200
$6,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 $499,999 $20,000
$500,000 + $50,000