California Base Ball League Champions medal

Date1887

DescriptionGold-colored metal medal hanging from a pin. The top of the pin depicts two crossed bats with a banner across the top reading "Champion" and a small baseball dangling from the intersection of the two bats. On the reverse of this is a half-hinge and a small metal loop where a pin would be secured, now no longer present. From three chain links at either end of the bats is a crest ringed with laurel leaves that reads "C.B.B.L. / 1887" around a baseball diamond with four bases, a pitcher's box, and a small clear gem inset in a star shape behind the pitching mound. Reverse is inscribed "Presented / by / H. Henne / to / N. Smith."

Bio/Historical NoteAfter the Pioneers of San Francisco won the 1887 California Base Ball League championship, team members received these ornate medals. This one, given to star third baseman Nick Smith, exhibits the creativity and attention to detail often found in these early baseball awards.

Object numberB-2018-0185

Subject San Francisco Pioneers (Baseball team)

Attributes

Classificationsawards

Dimensions1.5 x 2.5 x 0.25 in.

Public Access NotePlease note that not all works are on view at all times - their availability is subject to change per the discretion of the Museum staff. Only a portion of NBHFM's collection is currently online and the information presented here is subject to updates and additions based on research and imaging activities. The images, titles, and descriptions are products of their time. If you have corrections or additional information about this object, please email research@baseballhall.org to help improve our records. This material is made available for private study, scholarship, and research use. Every effort has been made to accurately determine the rights status of images. Please email us if you have further information on the rights status of an image contrary to or in addition to the information in our records. For more information or access to a high resolution reproduction (some fees may apply), contact: National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, Giamatti Research Center, research@baseballhall.org, 607-547-0330.