A Reminiscence of the Baseball Season

Batter up!

This action-packed print showing ‘America’s favorite pastime’ (in England) was based on a drawing by the talented illustrator Harry Furniss and originally published in the November 26, 1892 edition of Punch, or the London Charivari. This particular example was likely issued the following year as part of an anthology.

Note the large catcher’s mitt – the rule change allowing that piece of equipment was recent and the exaggeration in size is likely a deliberate joke. The other caricatured players are all engaged in a variety of activities not so different than those found on the modern diamond – including arguing with the umpire!