LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 May Sports Sig. Auction #707  / 

19589

1908 "Cy Young Day" Loving Cup Presented to Cy Y

Currency:USD Category:Sports - Cards & Fan Shop Start Price:5,000.00 USD Estimated At:20,000.00 - 40,000.00 USD
1908 Cy Young Day Loving Cup Presented to Cy Y
<B>1908 "Cy Young Day" Loving Cup Presented to Cy Young.</B></I> More than eighteen thousand Boston Red Sox fans were on hand at Huntington Avenue Grounds on August 13, 1908 to honor their forty-one year old pitching star. It was the same field where Young had thrown the first pitch of the inaugural World Series in 1903, and where he'd tossed a perfect game a year later. Expecting a dignified procession of Red Sox to begin the "Cy Young Day" events, the fans were instead treated to a comical parade of costumed players, dressed as cowboys, dentists, miners and Mexican laborers. At the front of the procession was Young himself, suited up in farmer's clothing with long, willowy whiskers. The crowd roared its approval.<BR><BR> The event was not a regularly scheduled game, and the Red Sox faced a team comprised of former teammates and other American League luminaries, featuring the likes of Jack Chesbro, Hal Chase and "Wee Willie" Keeler. All gate receipts were to benefit Young alone, a figure that would prove to total more than Young had ever earned in a year. Between each of the two innings that Young pitched, interrupted after each throw by a tremendous ovation that Young acknowledged with a wave of his hat, a variety of trophies, trinkets and flowers were presented to the overwhelmed legend. We are tremendously pleased to have the opportunity to offer one of these historic pieces here.<BR><BR> This amazing artifact remained throughout Young's life one of his most prized possessions, and a modern print of a 1950's photograph (included in this lot) finds Mr. Young posing behind a table of trophies that holds this cup. We cannot be certain exactly which individual, group or organization gifted this particular cup to Young, but it's evident that the presenter held Cy in great esteem. A simple engraving on the side of the cup says all that needed to be said, "Cy. Young, The King, Aug. 13, 08."<BR><BR> Crafted from brass in a simple and elegant design, the tri-handled cup stands just over seven inches in height, but is immeasurable in historical relevance and collecting appeal. A degree of oxidation adds vintage patina but could likely be removed if desired. We'll leave that decision to the winning bidder. Otherwise the cup remains in marvelous condition, with no dents or other damage to note. The amazing artifact was discovered at an Ohio swap meet about a decade ago, just a few miles from Young's Newcomerstown home. The consignor, a local to those parts, maintained a private Cy Young Museum for a number of years, and is also responsible for Young's traveling trunk that appears within this auction.<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Miscellaneous Collectibles, Larg (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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