Fall 2018 - Item detail
Rare 1934 St. Louis Cardinals vs. Chicago Cubs Exhibition Game Poster
- Sold For:
- Unsold
- Year:
- 1934
- Auction:
- 2018 Fall
- Lot #:
- 2192
- Category:
- Post-1900 Baseball Memorabilia
Rare, possibly unique, broadside heralding a 1934 exhibition game between the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs at the Oshkosh Fair Grounds in Wisconsin on August 30th. The poster features portrait images of five participants, including Gabby Hartnett, Billy Herman, and Chuck Klein, while the text makes note that "Both Teams Are Under Contract to Bring Their Complete Lineups." The poster also lets patrons know that this will be "The Greatest Baseball Attraction Ever Staged In Wisconsin." Although no year is listed, research has determined it to be 1934. According to information found on the Oshkosh Public Museum website, the game was the brainchild of a local businessman:
Frank Steckbauer of Oshkosh brought the Chicago Cubs & St. Louis Cardinals to Oshkosh to play an exhibition game at the Winnebago County Fair Grounds on August 30, 1934. Frank Steckbauer was vice-president and later president of the Continental Clothing House and was a long time baseball enthusiast, Frank was involved in Oshkosh baseball for many years as well as setting up similar events in other parts of the country. The teams arrived in town with the Cubs staying at the Athearn Hotel and the St. Louis Cardinals at the Raulf. When they arrived on that day the Cubs gave a brief talk at the Athearn and then left for the field, while the Cardinals dressed and went directly to the fair grounds. An estimated 12,000 to 14,000 paid to watch the game filling the grandstand and extra bleachers. Hanna "Dizzy" Dean did the broadcasting of the game, Pitcher Dean and the cardinals were World Series champions in 1934. The Cubs won the game 12 to 5.
Given the fact that this poster was a regional issue for a one-time event, plus its fragile nature (it is printed on thin paper stock), we cannot imagine that many have survived. This is the only example we have ever seen and it may very well be the lone survivor. The poster (22 x 28 inches), which has a horizontal and vertical fold (as issued), displays small tears along the fold lines, as well as along the borders. A few light creases are also evident. In Very Good to Excellent condition.
Reserve $500. Estimate (open).
Frank Steckbauer of Oshkosh brought the Chicago Cubs & St. Louis Cardinals to Oshkosh to play an exhibition game at the Winnebago County Fair Grounds on August 30, 1934. Frank Steckbauer was vice-president and later president of the Continental Clothing House and was a long time baseball enthusiast, Frank was involved in Oshkosh baseball for many years as well as setting up similar events in other parts of the country. The teams arrived in town with the Cubs staying at the Athearn Hotel and the St. Louis Cardinals at the Raulf. When they arrived on that day the Cubs gave a brief talk at the Athearn and then left for the field, while the Cardinals dressed and went directly to the fair grounds. An estimated 12,000 to 14,000 paid to watch the game filling the grandstand and extra bleachers. Hanna "Dizzy" Dean did the broadcasting of the game, Pitcher Dean and the cardinals were World Series champions in 1934. The Cubs won the game 12 to 5.
Given the fact that this poster was a regional issue for a one-time event, plus its fragile nature (it is printed on thin paper stock), we cannot imagine that many have survived. This is the only example we have ever seen and it may very well be the lone survivor. The poster (22 x 28 inches), which has a horizontal and vertical fold (as issued), displays small tears along the fold lines, as well as along the borders. A few light creases are also evident. In Very Good to Excellent condition.
Reserve $500. Estimate (open).