Rare celluloid schedule booklet issued for the Players' League in 1890. All items related to the one-year-only Players' League are exceedingly rare and this piece is no exception. This is the first example of this attractive schedule we have ever seen, let alone offered. The small pocket schedule (2x2.75") features celluloid covers and five interior paper pages. The front cover is lettered "Schedule of Players' League 1890" at the top and "Smoke The Players' League 5¢ Cigar" along the bottom. A woodcut portrait illustration of a young woman adorns the center, with the name, "Mrs. Jas. Brown Potter" printed directly below. The rear celluloid cover features an advertisement for "The Players' League 5¢ Cigar" on the interior side, and a calendar for the year 1890 on the exterior side. Four of the interior pages are double-sided and display, respectively, the home and away schedule for each of the eight Players' League teams: Boston, Brooklyn, New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Buffalo. The first page of the schedule is blank, but displays a vintage pencil notation that reads in part "I comenced [sic] taking music lessons of Miss Tayler Feb, 27, 1891."

The Players' League was founded in 1890 by a large group of National League and American Association players who sought to free themselves from the reserve clause, which bound a player to a team for life. Unfortunately for the players, the league was beset with financial difficulties and folded after just one season of play. As a result, very few Players' League items have survived, making this schedule both a rare and historically significant nineteenth-century baseball relic. The schedule, which is viewed by fanning the pages out around the metal clasp located in the upper left corner, remains in Excellent condition overall.

Estimated domestic USA shipping cost only. Does not include handling or insurance: $27 Please feel free to contact us for a more accurate shipping cost.