Auction Item Details
Lot 178
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Lot Number: 178
Description: 1908 "Cy Young Day" Loving Cup Presented to Cy Young. This 7" tall brass tri-handled cup was presented to Cy Young amidst the celebration of "Cy Young Day" held in Boston on August 13, 1908. At the age of 41, Cy Young's playing days were winding down, and these special festivities were planned to celebrate the most prolific career enjoyed by any pitcher before or since. Some 20,000 fans packed the Huntington Avenue Grounds in Boston. 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 the following year. The event included an exhibition game in which the Red Sox faced a team comprised of Young's former teammates and other American League luminaries, including the likes of Jack Chesbro, Hal Chase, and "Wee Willie" Keeler. All gate receipts from the day were gifted to Young, a figure totaling more than he had ever earned in a single year. Young pitched briefly against the opposing All-Star squad with the game being interrupted several times for presentations that included an array of trophies, trinkets, and flowers that nearly overwhelmed the legend. Among the most treasured of the gifts received by Young that day, this loving cup is simply and aptly engraved "Cy Young, The King, Aug. 13, 08." This profound artifact was cherished by Young throughout his life, as evidenced by a photograph captured in the 1950's (copy included in this lot) showing the living legend in his home proudly posing behind a table full of career mementos including this cup. It is impossible to determine exactly which individual, group or organization gifted the cup to Young; however, its position in the photo suggests that Young held the presenter in the highest regard. The cup remains in excellent original condition with no dents or structural faults and a slight degree of oxidization to the vintage patina. No attempt has been made by Hunt Auctions to polish the cup, opting instead to present it in its natural state. Given its direct photographic provenance and the significance of the event it represents, this is among the finest Cy Young related presentation pieces that we are aware of outside a major institution: EXEstimated Price Range: ($15,000-$20,000)
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