Offered is a rare and useful circa 1870's baseball themed men's clothing trade card. Card reads, "O. K. Hall, S. E. Corner, 13th & Market Streets, Bower Brothers", who were locted in Wilmington, Deleware. Illustration shows a characature of the famous "King Kelly", a baseball catcher getting a fast ball stuck in his gut! This is a classic illustration of the period and must certainly have been a real eye-catcher for baseball fans. Card has some fountain pen writing on the backside, but front is clear. Corners and edges appear sound. Card does have some soil from age, not uncommon with cards of this vintage. This is a great card for both baseball card enthusiasts as well as trade card collectors. Card part of an estate sale and the price on the plastic sleeve appears previous owner paid $50, some years ago. See the story of "The Only Kel" below. I believe the low reserve will attract a bid or two.
Michael Joseph "King" Kelly (December 31, 1857 – November 8, 1894), often referred to as "The Only Kel", was an American right fielder, catcher, and manager in various professional American baseball leagues including the National League, International Association, Players' League, and the American Association. He spent the majority of his 16-season playing career with the Chicago White Stockings and the Boston Beaneaters. Kelly was a player-manager three times in his career – in 1887 for the Beaneaters, in 1890 leading the Boston Reds to the pennant in the only season of the Players' League's existence, and in 1891 for the Cincinnati Kelly's Killers - before his retirement in 1893. He is also often credited with helping to popularize various strategies as a player such as the hit and run, the hook slide, and the catcher's practice of backing up first base. The baseball phrase, "Slide Kelly, Slide" is attributed to Kelly. In November 1894, Kelly died of pneumonia in Boston. Mike was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in 1945. This is a really great card!!!
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