Exceedingly rare World Series press pin issued by the Philadelphia Athletics for the 1911 fall classic against the New York Giants. This is the first World Series press pin ever issued and it represents the "holy grail" for advanced collectors wishing to acquire a complete run of World Series press pins. To put its rarity in proper perspective, it should be noted that this is the first example we have ever offered and we have seen only two others at auction in the past twenty-five years. To the best of our knowledge, there are probably fewer than six surviving examples. The offered pin is especially noteworthy because not only is it new to the hobby, but it also comes with exceptional provenance.
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 four rare early World Series press pins from Weart's personal collection featured in this auction.) The pin has remained in the Weart family for the past 114 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.
In addition to its rarity, provenance, and historical significance, the offered pin is also one of the most attractive World Series press pins ever produced. The design features a decorative blue-enamel brooch at the top that is lettered "Press." Hanging from the brooch is a blue silk ribbon that reads "World Series Shibe Park Philadelphia 1911." Attached to the base of the ribbon is a circular, scalloped-edge medallion that features a representation of a "White Elephant" standing upon a pair of crossed bats and baseball. The baseball reads "American League" with "Athletics" lettered directly below. The gold lettering around the blue-enamel perimeter reads "American Base Ball Club of Philadelphia." Produced by Alan A. Kerr as noted by the engraving on the reverse of the medallion. Aside from some minor surface wear and light tarnishing to the medallion portion, the pin remains in exceptional Excellent to Mint condition. The full pin measures 1.75x4 inches. The diameter of the medallion measures 1.25 inches.
The William Weart World Series Press Pin Collection
As we mentioned in our lot description, this is one of four early World Series press pins originating from the personal collection of William "Billy" Weart. 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.
Estimated domestic USA shipping cost only. Does not include handling or insurance: 19.09 Please feel free to contact us for a more accurate shipping cost.