One of the finest baseball prints we have ever seen this 1888 steel engraving is titled "Galaxy of the National League" by Hastings, the photographer, of Boston, MA. The print shows team photos of the eight members of the National League in 1888: New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, and Washington. The NL clubs are seen in fabulous old-time uniforms in primarily pastoral settings with a few managers wearing top hats and the Chicago team donning ties. Notable players include Cap Anson, Sam Thompson, Deacon White, Harry Wright, Mickey Welch, Jim O'Rourke, Montgomery Ward, Buck Ewing, Tim Keefe and Pud Galvin. The eight photos appear on a background of a few composite baseball fields depicting games being played, and at the top two hands seem to telekinetically raise a baseball to the print's apex. The year "1888" is written on the bottom on a home plate (notably not the pentagon shape modern fans are accustomed to), alongside "Copyrighted by G.H Hastings, 1888." The print measures 20x24" and is a fantastic memorial to the very nascent stages of the sport. One of two we discovered a few years ago. There has been some restoration but not heavy. Presents beautifully.