This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/4/2016
Prince Hal Chase was born (1883), played high school baseball, and lived in Los Gatos, Ca. This glove was purchased directly from his ex-wife.
During his career, he played for the New York Highlanders (1905–1913), Chicago White Sox (1913–1914), Buffalo Blues (1914–1915), Cincinnati Reds (1916–1918), and New York Giants (1919).
No lesser figures than Babe Ruth and Walter Johnson named Chase the best first baseman ever, and contemporary reports described his glove work as outstanding. He is sometimes considered the first true star of the franchise that would eventually become the New York Yankees.
Despite being an excellent hitter and his reputation as a peerless defensive player, Chase's legacy was tainted by a litany of corruption. He allegedly gambled on baseball games, and also engaged in suspicious play in order to throw games in which he played.
The glove, a reach first base mitt, compares favorably to period images of Chase while playing for the New York Yankees. Due to limited available images, MEARS was not able to match the glove to a period photo, but we were able to confirm Reach wore a similar style Reach glove during the 1911 era. The provenance is reasonable, and supports the glove being worn by Chase.
The glove shows much wear, with some separation of the stitching by the thumb and pocket. The wrist strap is missing. The Reach manufacture label is firmly attached on the reverse and dates to the 1905-1920s, which corresponds with the provenance of this glove.
The text of the letter of provenance reads,
“To Whom It May Concern,
I, Kevin Russell, hereby certify that this Hal Chase game used glove has been in my family since the late 1930s-1940s. It was given to my father (John Russell) by his neighbor in Los Gatos who was one of Hal Chase’s ex-wives.
- Believed to be Hal Chase’s first wife Nellie.
- Hal and Nellie divorced in 1913.
- Nellie married Bill Brown in 1919.
- Hal Chase’s grandson and great grandson still live in Los Gatos.
My father John worked as editor for the San Mateo Times for 39 years and was a lifetime sports fan. He was a respected member of the community and got to know (and become friends with) many stand up people including Jackie Speirs and Ana Eshoo, both members of Congress from the state of California.
Sincerely,
Kevin Russell (notarized)
Memorabilia from the career of Hal Chase is almost nonexistent, and this lot presents are opportunity to add a piece to your collection from Prince Hal Chase.
(97Y0386)
(MEARS Auction LOA)