1467

Phillies 1st Player/Founder Signed RR Stock 1885 [182344]

Currency:USD Category:Memorabilia / Sports - Baseball Start Price:600.00 USD Estimated At:1,500.00 - 3,000.00 USD
Phillies 1st Player/Founder Signed RR Stock 1885 [182344]
FINAL AUCTION RECORD The Auctioneer’s podium notes serve as the final, legally binding record of the auction results, superseding any electronic bidding records. See Terms and Conditions
This stock certificate issued by the Saint Paul & Duluth Railroad Company for 100 shares of common stock at $100 per to Britisher Alfred James Reach. The certificate is dated March 25, 1885, but it's the recipient, this British gentleman that adds the value. Alfred James, better known as A.J. Reach, was an early pioneer in the formation of professional baseball. In fact he is thought to be the first player ever paid to play the game, when he played for the Philadelphia Athletics in 1865-1875. After his playing days were over, he helped form the Philadelphia Phillies. He then went on to be a founding member of the Colored Baseball League, forerunner to the Negro Leagues, with his helping to organize the Philadelphia Pythians. A successful sporting goods company and other business investments (The aforementioned railroad stock), made Reach a very wealthy man. He passed away in 1928 and oddly & tragically enough, he was never elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. Please see photos for more details. [ St. Paul/ Duluth Minnesota