Rare 1918 Chicago Cubs (vs. Boston Red Sox) World Series Program - Game 3

Sold For:

$13,200

Year:

1918

Auction:

2017 Fall

Lot #:

1836

Category:

Post-1900 Baseball Memorabilia

Exceedingly rare program issued for the 1918 World Series between the Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox at Chicago. This is only the fourth example of this particular Chicago program we have ever seen, making it one of the most elusive of all World Series programs issued during the decade. It should be noted that this was one of two different programs issued for the Series in Chicago. The other, which is equally rare (we have seen only three, one of which is also offered in this auction), is a regular-season Cubs program with a World Series score sheet added inside. (What is especially interesting is that each of the two different Chicago World Series programs was printed by the same company and are identical with regard to the interior pages; only the covers are different.) The offered program is titled "Official World's Series Score Card 1918" on the cover, below which are the names of each respective club, as well as an illustration of two bear cubs. The forty-two page program, printed by the F. J. Riley Printing Company of Chicago, features score sheets for both the Cubs and Red Sox and is otherwise comprised almost exclusively of advertisements (both National companies and local Chicago businesses are represented, including A. G. Spalding & Bros., Edelweiss Beer, and Helmar Turkish Cigarettes). The preprinted lineup sheets include Babe Ruth, Hooper, Strunk, and McInnis for Boston, and Merkle, Flack, Hollocher, Mann, and Paskert for Chicago. (Even though Ruth's name is in the printed lineup, he did not play in this game.) Neatly scored in pencil to record a 2-1 Red Sox victory in Game 3. The program (6 x 9 inches) displays a moderate vertical fold, uneven toning on both covers, and a partial separation along the bottom portion of the spine. The four interior pages are detached from the binding staples, but are present. Complete as issued. In Very Good condition. Reserve $1,000. Estimate (open).