Rare 1915 World Series press pin issued by the Philadelphia Phillies. This highly ornate ribbon pin is one of the scarcest and most attractive of all World Series press pins and its provenance is equally impressive. This pin originates from the personal collection of William "Billy" Weart, who was one of the most prominent sportswriters of the early 1900s and one of the founding members of the Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA). This is one of two 1915 World Series press pins retained by Weart, with the other example having been featured in our 2025 Summer Classic Auction, where it realized $13,649. (Weart's entire collection of early World Series press pins was offered in Lelands' 2025 Summer Auction, except for this this example). The pin has remained in the Weart family for the past 110 years and has never before been offered for sale, either publicly or privately. It has been consigned to this sale directly by a member of the Weart family. 

The design features a gold-colored brooch at the top that is lettered "World Series Phila. 1915." In the center is the enameled logo of the BBWAA, flanked on each side by a classical female image. Hanging from the brooch is a red ribbon that reads "Press" in gilt lettering. A circular pendant is attached to the base of the ribbon that features an illustration of a colonial figure in a windup pose, with a game-in-progress scene pictured in the background. The gilt lettering around the red-enamel perimeter reads "Philadelphia National League Base Ball Club." 1.75x4 inches.  The diameter of the medallion measures 1.5 inches. Manufactured y J. E. Caldwell & Co. of Philadelphia, as noted by the engraving on the reverse of the medallion. There is moderate tarnishing to both the brooch and medallion (front and reverse), but the ribbon is well preserved. In Very Good condition overall. 

William "Billy" Weart began his journalism career in 1891 and in 1896 he joined the staff of the Philadelphia Evening Telegraph. From 1913 to 1917 he served as the newspaper's baseball editor. Additionally, he was the longtime Philadelphia correspondent for both The Sporting News (1909-1917) and Sporting Life (1896-1916). In 1908 he was instrumental in helping found the BBWAA and from 1908 through 1918 he served as the organization's secretary and treasurer. One of the main reasons the BBWAA was formed was because of the lack of respect afforded reporters during the World Series. 

At the time, it was general practice for club executives to offer the press box as seating for VIPs and friends, leaving the reporters little room to work. Giants manager John McGraw was especially egregious in this practice, often filling the press box with his many friends in show business. The BBWAA was successful in ending this practice and they did so by making entry to the press box contingent upon presenting a pass, which was in the form of a press pin worn on the lapel. The first press pin was issued by the Philadelphia Athletics in 1911 and the following year it became standard practice for each participating World Series club. 

While the formation of the BBWAA was one of Weart's greatest accomplishments, it was not his only one. As an official scorer, he was instrumental in changing the rule that credited batters with a hit on a fielder's choice. He is also credited with popularizing the A's nickname of "White Elephants," after John McGraw disparagingly referred to the club by that term in 1902. Weart died in 1918 at the age of forty-six and he was so beloved by the sports community that the Philadelphia A's and Phillies played a benefit game in his honor on July 18, 1918, with all the proceeds donated to his wife and family.