Winter Auction 2016 Closing January 30th
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/31/2016
Presented here is a historic 1871 stock certificate from the creation of the Boston Red Stockings— with extraordinary significance to the beginning of professional baseball, the birth of baseball in Boston, and the start of the Atlanta Braves.
In January 1871, Ivers Whitney Adams assembled investors and capital for the creation of a professional team in Beantown. That year, the Boston Red Stockings, would be one of 9 charter members of the National Association of Professional Baseball. This established the very first professional baseball league and the forerunner of today's National League. Manager Harry Wright was persuaded, along with his brother George Wright and legendary pitcher Albert Spalding to join forces for the Red Stockings.
The Boston Red Stockings went on to become the dominant team in the National Association, winning four championships in five seasons between 1871 and 1875. Both Wright brothers and Al Spalding would later be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame as pioneers. The Boston Red Stockings would eventually become today's Atlanta Braves (after a few name changes and moves). Today, the Braves remain the longest continuously running professional sports team in America (1871-present). The original Boston Red Stockings nickname would eventually lend itself to today's beloved Boston Red Sox. As a result of the creation of this professional baseball team, the city of Boston also lays claim to the longest running professional baseball city. This early stock certificate truly signifies the start of it all.
This stock certificate is No. 8 and dated February 14, 1871, Ivers Whitney Adams (owner) and Harrison Gardner (treasurer) both signed the certificate with bold, high-grade signatures. The certificate documents the purchase of five shares by Joshua Cleaves. It is matted and framed to 16 1/2" x 13-1/2". This historic 145-year old document has some toning and discoloration on the left edge but remains in excellent overall condition.