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1907 White Sox American League Champions Banner Framed
One guesses that Charlie Comiskey was still basking in the glow of the White Sox’s first-ever world championship in 1906 when, with more than a bit of presumption, ordered up this magnificent and unspeakably rare banner reading “Champions American League 1907” and “World’s Champions”. The banner apparently was meant to signal the team’s status as defending champions and not 1907 champions, as they wound up in 3rd place that year. While this may have been an embarrassing “misunderstanding” back then, it is an anomaly that gives the banner an even greater historical kick, not that such a glorious piece commemorating the first Chisox championship (and last, except for 1917) wouldn’t raise collectors’ pulse rates regardless. The framed beige linen banner features a screen group image of the ‘06 club that acquired the backhanded-compliment nickname of “The Hitless Wonders” because of its anemic offense (.230 team batting average with the top hitter coming in at .279) that did just enough to back up the suffocating pitching of HOFer Ed Walsh, Frank Owen, Nick Altrock and Doc White. Looming above the group in the middle of the top row is Comiskey in a natty bow tie and bowler hat. Others include HOF shortstop George Davis, Billy Sullivan, Jiggs Donahue, Frank Isbell, and player-manager Fielder Jones. The image and the lettering are sepia-toned, and the bottom center is printed with “Compliments of Chicago Sporting Goods Manufacturing Company.” The border of the linen is inlaid with a green and gold stitched pattern, with 4 mounting loops attached to the top and a fringe at the bottom around a U-shape and pointed corners. The banner has weathered well with some staining and light shredding in spots that seem to vanish at a distance. No fold marks and the edges are not separated from the main cloth body. Banner is approx. 18” wide and 27” at its highest points and mounted against a solid wood background under glass in a thick, stately wood frame finished in dark brown. This may have been an original frame, as it is pock-marked and scratched but retains an antique-look. In fact, the ridges along the outside edges of the frame, while the product of damage, actually seem like original detailing. Overall 25 x 36”. An absolutely precious find, with an added “explanation.”
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