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Historically Important 1880 Worcester BBC League Application
The Worcester Worcesters only existed for three seasons in the National League during the early 1880s, but this historically significant document is a letter that accompanied an official application for league membership. The one-page handwritten letter on official Worcester Base Ball Club letterhead is dated January 7, 1880, and written to N.L. secretary Nicholas Young. Composed by club treasurer Freeman Brown, the contents are the following: "N. E. Young Esq, Washington D. C. Dear Sir - Enclosed please find an unconditional application of the Worcester Base Ball Club for admission to the National League of Professional Base Ball Clubs. If you will put it in the proper channel for action by the association you represent and notify us of the result - you will greatly oblige. Yours Truly Freeman Brown - Clerk + Treasurer Worc BBC." Both the text and signature in blue fountain pen grade 8/9 out of 10. The National League had first begun play four years earlier in 1876, so any letters such as this are extremely rare, as well as vitally important to historians and collectors. The Worcesters - who also were referred to as the Brown Stockings or Ruby Legs - replaced the Syracuse franchise in 1880 and became the circuit's eighth franchise. They finished fifth their inaugural season at 40-43, but fell into last place the next two years, folding after the 1882 campaign. This letter originates directly from the estate of National League secretary Nicholas Young, who later became league president. The letter measures 8x10.5" and has normal mailing folds. It measures roughly 17x19" in its beautiful frame and is in EX-MT condition. This piece sold for $13,920 in a 2006 REA auction.
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