Help with dating a prob 19th century baseball photo

[kjjavic]

Hey guys,

What do you think this baseball photo dates to? I was thinking 1890s but you guys would probably know better based upon the glove shown, etc. I have tried to research what BPI could stand for, but so far no luck. Do you think this is probably a town or company team?

There is a carpet in front of them that says something but it is difficult make out. On in person inspection, it looks to say ________ Avery. I can't clearly make out the first word.

thanks
KJ

[vintagesportscollector]

Hi. It's hard to tell because I can't really make out the equipment at their feet. Can you post a bigger picture of that area? Also, is the guy on the right an amputee? Looks like he is missing his left arm below the elbow...interesting.

-Joe

[slidekellyslide]

Baltimore Polytechnic Institute would be my guess...they were active in sports in the 1880-early 1900s.

[kjjavic]

Thanks Dan, I tried varies searches using BPI, but without else to go on, I couldn't come up with anything. I do some research on that school, thanks

As, to a possible amputee in the photo, it looks to me that he is folding his arm behind his back (which seems it would be an uncomfortable pose), but I can't rule out an amputee for certain.

It is a small photo, so getting a better scan is tough, but I gave it a shot.

[Rob L]

The fielders glove doesn't look like a workman's glove, it appears to have the look of a webbed glove. I would guess it's a c1905 era photo.

Rob L

[kjjavic]

Ok, thanks Rob,

Could you recommend any good books that deal with 19th and early 20th century baseball and football equipment. I feel pretty confident in my abilities to date football photographs, but my baseball knowledge is definetly lacking.

thanks
KJ

[Vintagedeputy]

can you invert the pic to read whats written down below?

[kjjavic]

Ask and you shall receive. To me it looks something like COM_____ AVERY.