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. While we have handled two incomplete 1915 Philadelphia World Series press pins in the past (missing the ribbon), the offered pin is the first complete example we have ever offered. It is also one of fewer than six complete examples we have seen at auction in the past twenty-five years. 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 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. There is light tarnishing to both the brooch and medallion (mainly on the reverse) and a small, light stain at the base of the ribbon. In Excellent condition overall.  

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.