Atogrphed, authentic, how much?
  Find information on Vintage Baseball collectibles, Tips on caring for your Valued Memorabilia collection Price Guide, Dates, and more!  
  Price Guide, Collectors Guide, Worth, Date    
HOME facebook BUY/SELL FORUM CONTACT

NEWSLETTER

  Category
  ADVERTISING
  AUTOGRAPHS
  BASEBALLS
  BASEBALL BATS
  BOBBLE HEADS
  CARDS
  EQUIPMENT
  FIGURINES
  GAMES & TOYS
  GAME USED
  GLOVES & MITTS
  HATS & UNIFORMS
  PENNANTS
  PHOTOS & ART
  PINS & BUTTONS
  PLATES
  POSTERS & SIGNS
  PUBLICATIONS
  RECORDS
  S.G.A.'S
  TICKETS
  MISCELLANEOUS
  Collectors Guides
  BASEBALL CARD
CHECKLISTS
  BASEBALL BAT
DATING GUIDE
  BASEBALL GLOVE
CLEANING GUIDE
  BASEBALL GLOVE
DATING GUIDE
  COLLECTIBLE
GLOSSARY
  EXHIBIT BASEBALL
CARD DATING
  FAKE & REPRODUCTION ALERTS
  OFFICIAL MLB
BASEBALL DATING
  QUESTIONS &
ANSWERS
  PRICE GUIDES
  MICKEY MANTLE
MEMORABILIA 
  SINGLE SIGNED
BASEBALLS
  TEAM SIGNED
BASEBALLS
  WORLD SERIES
PRESS PINS
  WORLD SERIES
TICKET STUBS
  SITE FEATURES
  ABOUT THIS WEBSITE
  COLLECTORS CORNER
  CONTACT
  FACEBOOK GROUP
  FACEBOOK PAGE
  FORUM
  NEWSLETTER 
 
KeyMan Collectibles on facebook
 

"Joe DiMaggio" Baseball Centennial Poster Stamp

Issue Of 3˘ Stamp Announcement Card

1939 Forest Park Museum Baseball Centennial Commemorative Poster Stamp Book & Checklist

Calendar of Events Brochure

 

Baseball Centennial Matchbook Cover


1939 Quaker Oats Ad

1939 Quaker Oats Ad

Kren Baseball Bats Baseball Centennial Matchbook
Kren Baseball Centennial Matchbook

Goes Lithographing Co. Advertising Calendar

1939 Baseball HOF Souvenir Keychain

Esso Baseball Handbook 100th Anniversary Edition

file:///C:/Users/y/Desktop/keymancollectibles/public_html/miscellaneous/images/img34_small2.jpg
1939 Esso Baseball Handbook Mailer

1939 Major League Baseball Facts Figures & Official Rules

June 1939 Baseball Magazine Centennial Issue

1939 Reach Official Baseball Guide

Rawlings Base Ball
 Record Book

1939 Play Ball Baseball Card Checklist

1939 Baseball Centennial Official Scorecards

Liberty Magazine depicting Baseball Centennial Patch On Player's Uniform

Join KeyMan Collectibles Group on facebook

 KeyMan Collectibles  NEWSLETTER November 2024 
1839-1939 Centennial Of Baseball Memorabilia
 Steven KeyMan
Steven KeyMan
 - By Steven KeyMan
Founder of Keymancollectibles.com, and a long time collector, Steven KeyMan has more than 30 years of experience in researching, and cataloging information on Baseball Memorabilia. Researching his own personal collection, and helping others find information on their collectibles, the website grew into the largest online resource for baseball memorabilia
 

   Ask Steven: Direct your questions or feedback, about Baseball Memorabilia to Steven KeyMan Steve@keymancollectibles.com You can also Send KeyMan pictures of your personal Memorabilia Display, and get your own Free  Collectors Showcase Room featured on the website..   
 
  A special commission created by baseball executive Albert Spalding determined in 1908 that Abner Doubleday invented the game in 1839. One hundred Years after Doubleday designed the first diamond, baseball celebrated it's 100th birthday. On June 12, 1939 to commemorate baseball's centennial, the Cooperstown Baseball Hall Of Fame opened its doors to the public. This prestigious inaugural event was held at Doubleday field to honor the 26 Hall of Fame inductees including the 5 original 1936 members.

 The National Centennial Commission held a contest to design an emblem for the 100th anniversary of baseball in the summer of 1938. Unveiled in December, at the annual meeting of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues, the winning design was awarded to New York artist Majori Bennet.

 In commemoration of the 100th anniversary of organized baseball the Official Insignia of Baseball’s Centennial had been adopted for flags which to be flown from all of the parks.

 The red, white and blue patch had four red stripes, symbolic of four balls, three white stripes, representing three strikes. A blue diamond was superimposed on the stripes, with a white baseball and a batter completing a swing in the diamond center. The design was used on such items as stationary, publications, advertising, and uniform patches worn by the players during the year.

 However, the batter featured on the patch resembled Joe DiMaggio and Major League Players objected to singling out one player to represent the Centennial of Baseball and refused to wear the patch, so it was redesigned.

  Soon after postmaster General James A. Farley announced that the Post office was planning to issue a commemorative stamp in honor of baseballs centennial, suggestions started to flood in. The most popular being Christy Mathewson. The portraits of both Abner Doubleday and Alexander Cartwright, who were given credit at the time for having introduced baseball into this country, was also suggested. Many thought John J. McGraw, who managed the New York Giants for many years should be honored. Others suggested a photograph of the National baseball Museum and Doubleday field, both located at Cooperstown, N.Y., should form the principal feature of the stamp.

 The chosen design for the stamp depicts a sandlot baseball game between two boy's teams, with a pitcher watching first base and about to deliver the ball. To Within a wreath, enclosed crossed bats, a glove and a ball. In the background a church and a schoolhouse with the American flag flying from the playground flagpole. It was the first baseball postage stamp, and it was issued by the U.S. Post Office in Cooperstown, on June 12, 1939, to kick off baseball's centennial celebration.
   
   The National Centennial Commission granted the Leatherstocking Stamp Club exclusive use of the Centennial Emblem Design in the spring of 1939 for their First Day of Issue envelope and stationery in recognition for their hard work to Lobby on behalf of the Baseball Stamp. The Cooperstown P.O. cancelled stamps on 398,199 "First Day of Issue Covers" on June 12, 1939.

June 12, 1939, was also the climax, in Commemorating the baseball centennial celebration. The Cavalcade of Baseball played at Cooperstown, New York, on the diamond devised by Abner Doubleday when he originated the game 100 years earlier.

 A sell-out crowd of more than 10,000 saw a team of National and American League players selected by Honus Wagner via the Choose-up" method, defeat a team captained by Eddie Collins, 4-2 in seven innings. Tickets offered by the National Baseball Centennial Commission for the Game ranged from .40˘ - $1.00 for Student and General Admission, and $1.65 - $2.20 for prime seats.

The Official Doubleday Field Programs for the Cavalcade of Baseball feature the 1839-1939 baseball centennial insignia on the cover. Forty pages filled with photos, articles, and a timetable of the various events that took place that day.

 The Hall of Fame was established in 1936, but was dedicated in 1939. The first four classes of inductees gathered in 1939 for the first induction weekend. The players that attended that first weekend in 1939 were: Walter Johnson, Honus Wagner, Babe Ruth, Eddie Collins, Connie Mack, Cy Young, Grover Cleveland Alexander, Tris Speaker, Napoleon Lajoie, and George Sisler.

 There are a number of variations of this program made for exhibition games played throughout the year, which also involving major league teams. The program was also reproduced by the Hall of Fame, which features a barcode on the back.
 
   
    Produced by the Dow Company, these Hillerich & Bradsby Co., Louisville Slugger "Baseball's 100th Anniversary" mechanical bat pencils were made available for advertiser's to promote their business. The dark mahogany color wood bat pencils feature a Louisville Slugger center brand with "Baseball's 100th Anniversary" on the barrel in gold. One of the most successful promotions was with General Mill's Wheaties Baseball's 100th Anniversary, 10˘ box tops offer.

In 1939 to celebrate 100 years of baseball, Wheaties published "8 historical highlights of baseball... printed on the backs of Wheaties packages. "Neway" descriptions and illustrations depicting how baseball gloves originated... How the Uniforms developed...Evolution of the Bat. .. and 5 other interesting highlights"

 No. 1 - 1839 "Design Of First Diamond;" No. 2 - 1860 "Lincoln Gets News Of Nomination On Ball Field;" No. 3 - 1869 "Crowd Boos First Baseball Glove;" No. 4 1877 "Curve Ball Just An Illusion Say Scientists!;" No. 5 - 1877 "Fencers Mask Is Pattern For First Catchers Cage;" No. 6 - 1890 "Baseball Gets All Dressed Up;" No. 7 - 1895 "Modern Bludgeon Enters Game;" No. 8 - "Casey At The Bat."

The Academy of Sports was a major exhibit at the 1939 New York World’s Fair. It was organized by Christy Walsh who is known for acting as Babe Ruth's agent, and is considered to be the first baseball sports agent. Comprised of 200 leaders in the sporting world, the Academy of Sport sponsored baseball clinics for youngsters. Instructors that participated included; Babe Ruth, Jimmie Foxx, Frank Frisch, Bob Feller, Bill Dickey, Connie Mack, Leo Durocher, and Joe Medwick.

 This Spalding "World's Fair Baseball Centennial" base mitt was one of three types of souvenir baseball gloves sold at the exhibit. There was also a Catchers Mitt and fielders glove. A Spalding mini-football souvenir that features the 1939 World's Fair Trylon and Perisphere logo was also sold at the exhibit.

 
   
     This 1939 Montgomery Rebels Minor League Baseball Schedule ink blotter was produced by The Wilson Printing Company in Montgomery, Alabama. It features the 1939 Montgomery Rebels, Southeastern League schedule, with the official Insignia of baseball’s centennial in the center.

In celebration of baseballs 100th birthday, Quaker offered free baseball Gifts with Quaker Puffed Wheat and Quaker Puffed Rice Box Tops. Given for 9 Box Tops or 1 Box Top and .15 cents, you received this Umpire's Watch FOB Score Indicator.

 Easy to keep official score with 5 scoring dials; strikes, balls, innings, and runs for both teams. The front of the FOB has the Official Baseball Centennial Souvenir design. The back has an illustration of a baseball diamond, with players and indicators.

 The top edge has a small celluloid extension with a slot for a leather strap. Other premiums included; Baseball Centennial Ring, given for 5 Box Tops or 1 Box Top and .10˘, Baseball Centennial Charm Bracelet, 8 Box Tops or 1 Box Top and .15˘. The offer was also available with Quaker Corn Flakes.

 
   
    As Advertised the Baseball Centennial Charm Bracelet is issued once every 100 years. This smart modern, gold-colored charm bracelet commemorates baseball's 100 birthday. Be the first to wear one. Exclusive design. Order Now! Offer expired October 1, 1939.

A Century of Baseball 1839-1939 by A.H. Harvin was published by The Standard Printing Co., Inc., Louisville, KY. The book features "Odd and humorous tales, of players, plays and incidents that made baseball Our National Sport." Stories and anecdotes include: Baseball's First Scandal - Advent Of The Catchers Mask - The First Game Of Ball - Ruth Not First Home Run King, and the Evolution of the Uniform.

 The cover pictures "Major-General Abner Doubleday, Creator Of the Game of Baseball." Page 128 (last page) Superstition: Not Politeness, is followed by an order blank on the back cover, which reads: "If You Enjoyed, "A Century Of Baseball," Why Not Order A Copy For Your Friends?, Where Can You Find A Gift, That Will Be More Appreciated, Cost Only 25c, __.__ Order Today, From Your Local Newsdealer, or Direct From Publisher, Order Blank Inside"

The July 8, 1939 issue of The Saturday Evening post cerebrated the 100th Anniversary of Baseball with this Norman Rockwell illustration. The cover features a pitcher in a 19th century uniform along with great looking ankle high athletic shoes.

 The glove with the 1 inch web was common to the 1910 - 1920s era, and goes against Rockwell's reputation for attention to accurate detail. In the early days of baseball the umpire did stand behind the pitcher so that makes sense for this painting.

The Libbey Glass Co. produced ten "Official All American Baseball Team" milk glasses which were distributed by the Esso Oil Co. The team was selected by Babe Ruth's All America Board of Baseball, in 1938, and used to commemorate the 1839-1939 Baseball Centennial.  

 The ten glasses each depicted a ballplayer in blue, with the player's facsimile autograph to the right. The opposite side has the official 1839-1939 Baseball centennial emblem.

  The players produced listed here as Babe Ruth's chosen batting order were;  Red Rolfe, 3B; Charlie Gehringer, 2B; Joe DiMaggio, CF; Jimmie Foxx, 1B; Mel Ott, RF; Joe Medwick, LF; Ernie Lombardi, C; Joe Cronin, SS; Red Ruffing, P; Paul Derringer, P.

The Sporting News Record Book for 1939, prepared by Ernest J. Lanigan was published by Charles C. Spink & Son. The 128 pages baseball record book includes schedules, standings, a detailed review of the previous season's World Series, all-time World Series results/records, Rosters, Minor League data and much more.

 This edition also recaps Johnny Vander Meer's consecutive no-hitters and features "Highlights of 100 Years." General Abner Doubleday is pictured on front cover. Great vintage advertising for baseball gloves and other equipment including a Louisville Slugger ad on the back.

Sold in the National Baseball Hall Of Fame's gift shop during the 1940s, this standard size linen souvenir postcard was produced to commemorate the ceremonies held on Doubleday Field on June 12, 1939.

 The postcard produced by C. W. Huges & Co. reads: "On this field in 1839 was played the first game of baseball, invented by Major General Abner Doubleday of Civil War fame. Babe Ruth and many other famous baseball players were here for the cavalcade of baseball, June 12, 1939"
 
  Punchboards, AKA; Novelty Trade Boards, or Sales-boards, were gambling devices which were commonly used in bars, or country and five-and-dime stores as a trade stimulator. In 1939, the Hamilton MFG Co., of Minneapolis, Minnesota, produced the Baseball's 100th Anniversary punch board.

 Baseball's 100th Anniversary 5˘ per sale punch board, features nine gold point Louisville Slugger baseball bat shape Mechanical pencils, attached at the top. Punch out one of the 960 small paper-filled holes with numbers 100-200-300-400-500-600-700-800, or 900 and receive your choice of any seal and a Louisville Slugger Pencil. Each seal pays out $1.00 or $5.00. Twenty prizes, numbers 125 to 750, in intervals of 25, each win 20 cigarettes.

  Part of Spalding's Athletic Library (1895-1941) the "Spalding's Official Base Ball Guide" was published by A.G. Spalding from 1877 to 1893, and from 1894 to 1941 by the American Sports Publishing Company.

 In 1934 Spalding bought out the Reach Company, who also published a baseball guide, but the two guides continued to be published separately until 1939. Both the 1939 Spalding and the Reach Official Baseball Guides feature the Official Insignia of Baseball’s Centennial, on the cover.

 In 1940 and 1941, the American Sports Publishing Company published the "Spalding-Reach Official Base Ball Guide", after which it was replaced by The Sporting News Baseball Guide. The Sporting News Baseball Guide was published every year from 1942 to 2006.

  The Official 1939 American League pocket schedules were printed by The Fred J. Ringley Co., of Chicago. They were distributed at ballparks compliments of each American League team printed at the bottom. The cover features the insignia of baseball’s centennial.

 The back pictures a William Harridge official American League baseball and reads: "-1939- The 100th anniversary of baseball ... and the 40th consecutive year the Reach Baseball has been the official ball of the American League" The 40 page booklet features six days on each page with American League games played that day for all eight teams.

  In 1939 The National Baseball Centennial Commission published "Play Ball America!" a 40 page book on "How To Celebrate Baseball's 100th Birthday In Your City." The cover features the 1839-1939 Baseball Centennial insignia.

 Page 2 features General Abner Doubleday. Page 3, a message of gratitude for Abner Doubleday, from the President of the United States, Franklin D. Roosevelt. The book is divided into nine innings, starting with the first inning on page 5 - "Play Ball - America!"

Poster Stamps were produced as an advertising medium, used to promote an event, and most were saved as a souvenir, commemorating something. The term Poster Stamp came about because many of these stamps were “poster-like” in their looks or even miniature copies of full size street posters.

 Alfred R. Cobbett, a member of the Centennial Committee for Advertising and Publicity, created the Great Seal in 1934 for the Cooperstown’s Base Ball Centennial Committee’s Mast Head.

 The great seal was used on letterheads, legal documents, first day cover cachets, envelopes, souvenirs, and this 1839-1939 Baseball Centennial Doubleday Field Poster Stamp. The design is center, from left to right, has an illustration of Major-Gen. Abner Doubleday, Doubleday Field, and the Cooperstown National Base Ball Museum, as labeled below each. The initials "ARS" on the right, below the word Ball, stands for Alfred R. Cobbett.

 
   
  1839-1939 Baseball Centennial Ballpark Souvenir Pennant  
 
 
  KEYMAN COLLECTIBLES RELATED RESOURCES  
     
     
     
 
 
  KeyMan Collectibles Collectors Corner - Keep up with the latest collecting news, announcements, and articles of interest on the webs best resource for baseball memorabilia.  
  KeyMan Collectibles Baseball Memorabilia Facebook Group - Post Questions and comments relating to Baseball Collectibles and Memorabilia. Interact with other collectors or show off your collection.  
  KeyMan Collectibles Forum - A great option for those that "Don't do facebook"  Post Questions and comments relating to Baseball Collectibles and Memorabilia  
 
 
  Home | Auctions | Message Board | Newsletter | About this Site  
Link Directory | Links Page | Collectors Corner | Contact | Site Map