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Lot # 179: 1915 Detroit Tigers vs. New York Giants Pennant

Starting Bid: $300.00

Bids: 17 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "2019 Spring Classic",
which ran from 5/7/2019 10:00 AM to
6/7/2019 10:00 PM



Very rare and early. Excellent condition with original tassels. Pennant lettering to the right reads, "GIANTS vs. TIGERS." Text from left border states, "Overland Day June 21, 15 Swayne Field." Two very small pin holes in felt, otherwise complete with no tears. The game at Swayne Field came about because in 1914 the Toledo Mud Hens of the American Association moved to Cleveland. Toledo business magnate John N. Willys, owner of the Willys Overland Company, the second largest automobile manufacturing company in the country at the time, used to close his factory and treat his employees to the Mud Hens' Opening Day each year. With the local team gone, Willys in 1914 treated his employees to a Major League exhibition game at Swayne Field. He did the same for 1915, bringing in teams with Ty Cobb and Sam Crawford on the Detroit roster and Christy Matthewson and Jim Thorpe on the Giants' roster. With approximately 17,000 employees, the Willys Overland Company had more employees than there were seats at Swayne Field, so the game was packed. The pennant (23") is in overall excellent condition and appears much newer than its over 100 year-old existence.

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