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The World Series at the Library of Congress

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This post is by Michael Apfeldorf from the Library of Congress.

The 2019 World Series has arrived! As the Washington Nationals and Houston Astros square off for this year’s championship, you and your students can visit the Library of Congress online to explore how the game has evolved.

Ninety-five years ago, “Miss Elsie Tydings had the distinction of purchasing the first ticket sold for a World Series in the National Capital. She was no. 1 in the 1st line this morning.” As today’s fan scour online websites looking for tickets, it might be interesting to reflect on how ticket acquisition has changed over the years, or how ticket prices have climbed.

Miss Elsie Tydings who had the distinction of purchasing the first ticket sold for a World Series in the National Capital. 10/1/1924

Students can also have fun looking at historic baseball cards from the Library’s collections. This 110 year old baseball card features a Houston baseball team that played over 50 years before the Astros became a Major League franchise in 1962. Students might reflect on the different portrait style of the card, as well as the fact that it was produced by the American Tobacco Company as a form of advertising – something that we certainly do not see coming out of today’s professional leagues!

Foley White, Houston Team, baseball card portrait

Back of Foley White Baseball Card

The Library of Congress has many more resources related to the game. Here are a few links to find more:

Teacher Resources

Major Baseball Collections

Library Exhibitions

We hope you will enjoy the 2019 World Series as well as exploring the Library’s resources on the game’s history!

Comments (2)

  1. Thank you for this entry of information sources. At this time it is refreshing to illustrate that the US is a nation that enjoys life rather than argues. Youth need to learn thatThe Library of Congress is a sources of such a great variety of information.

  2. Remarkable, pleasant surprise for all baseball lovers. Thank you

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