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1909 Grand Opening of Forbes Field Invitation
Incredibly rare and highly sought after invitation from the Pittsburgh Base Ball Club, to an unknown recipient, asking them to attend the June 30th, 1909, opening game of the season between the Chicago Cubs and Pittsburgh Pirates celebrating the opening of newly built Forbes Field. With the beautiful raised and colored seal of the city of Pittsburgh as letterhead, this prestigious invitation reads, “The President and Directors of the Pittsburgh Base Ball Club request the honor of your presence at the Opening Game and Dedication of Forbes Field Wednesday afternoon June thirtieth nineteen hundred and nine at two thirty o’clock.”Records show that the first game was attended by a standing-room only crowd of 30,338. Various National League officials and owners were present for the opening pregame ceremonies, including league president Harry Pulliam, Civil War veteran and manager of Pittsburgh's first professional baseball team Al Pratt, and American League president Ban Johnson. Pittsburgh Mayor William A. Magee threw out the stadium's ceremonial first pitch. Mayor Magee was in the second tier and threw the ball to John M. Morin, Director of Public Safety, on the field below. Morin then went to the mound and threw the first pitch to the Pirate catcher. Unfortunately, the Cubs won the first game, 3–2. This prime example has been framed, matted (10x12”) and once actually hung in Forbes Field. Originally sent through the mail, there is a mailing crease in the center but appears to be in VG condition overall.
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