The bustling streets of Boston in 1871 held a secret treasure, a boarding house that played host to the Boston baseball team.
These weren’t just any players; they were among the pioneers, some of the first to be paid to play baseball.
Originating from the Cincinnati Red Stockings, these players carried with them not just their skills but also stories, memories, and mementos that would, in time, become invaluable pieces of history.
Fast forward to a modern-day episode of the Antiques Roadshow.
During one episode, an elderly woman stepped forward with a collection that would leave the experts in awe.
The boarding house was managed by her great-great-grandmother, and she now held a treasure trove of baseball memorabilia from that era.
Among these treasures are some of the first baseball cards ever printed, handed down through generations and meticulously collected by her great-grandfather.
But it wasn’t just the cards that held historical significance.
A personal letter, penned by the players themselves, revealed a glimpse into their lives at the boarding house.
Each player wrote a sentence, signing off with their names, painting a vivid picture of their daily lives.
The letters spoke of hunger, longing for home, and the camaraderie they shared.
It was evident that the landlady held a special place in their hearts.
The collection contained recognizable and historic players.
Among the notable names on these cards were Harry Wright and his brother George Wright, humorously referred to as the original Wright brothers.
But perhaps the most recognizable name was Albert Spalding.
A name synonymous with baseball, Spalding was the first well-known player to use a fielding glove, laying the foundation for a sporting goods empire.
The significance of these cards and the letter cannot be overstated.
They represent some of the earliest known 1871 photographic baseball cards.
The presence of signatures from legends like Harry Wright and Spalding makes this collection even more exceptional, giving a glimpse into the early days of baseball.
As the appraiser delved deeper into the collection, the atmosphere grew tense with anticipation.
Finding out how much an item is worth on Antiques Roadshow is one of the most enjoyable parts.
Sometimes a person is delivered shocking news that their antique is worth a great deal of money – while other times it’s the complete opposite.
The moment of valuation was upon them.
With a look of profound admiration, the appraiser declared the collection’s worth.
Luckily, it was amazing news!
She informed the woman that if she were to insure it, she should do so for at least one million dollars.
The owner’s face lit up with a mix of shock and overwhelming emotion.
But she wasn’t the only one emotional during the moment.
The appraiser, equally moved, confessed,
“It is the greatest archive I’ve ever had at the roadshow.”
The appraisal is so unforgettable that it’s scored over 2.8 million views.
Be sure to watch it for yourself in the video below!
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
