The OTBAC was founded by Tom Foley in 1919 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of his signing of Chicago’s original 9 pro base ball players in 1869 and to honor all who played and belonged to Chicago’s family of baseball. Our roots go back to that December day in 1869 when WE founded Chicago baseball.
Old Timers' Baseball Association of Chicago
Incorporated: 1919
About the club
21 responses to “About the club”
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In my baseball card collection I also have 2 programs and the cover reads…..
ORGANIZED IN 1919
25 TH.
Annual Reunion and Dinner
of the
Old Timers’ Baseball Association
of ChicagoGuest of Honor
ROBERT C. (BOB) LEWIS
Thursday, February 4 th, 1943
six – thirty o’ clockMORRISON HOTEL
On these programs are many autographs…..
Gabby Hartnett / Charlie Grimm / Enos Slaughter
Hugh Dickie / Patty Driscoll / Johnny Gottselig
and many more.
I was wondering if this is the same club on this web page.
Thank you for your time………….Robert Frederick
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Hi Robert: Yes, that is our club! You indeed have a terrific collection of signatures of the evening’s attendees. We were founded in 1919 by Tom Foley who signed Chicago’s first pros in 1869. Lucky find!
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Am wondering if anyone has information regarding my grandfather- Robert Madigan. He was a member of the Old Timers club until his death in 1963. I was told various stories of who he played for ie Wrigley’s field team, but lack any information. I thought that this would be a great place to start researching his baseball years.
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Hi Kathy: We do have records for that era, so I’ll be scanning the index cards(!) and will let you know. Records are, for the most part, intact, but not all of it is easily accessed. Imagine thousands of cards!
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Guys,
I am a student doing a dissertation on the success of Spalding’s two baseball tours of England in (1874 & 1888). Any primary material, photos, or anything deemed relevant will be appriciated. I’m trying to establish why Baseball in Britain didn’t take off from this.
Regards,
Chris Pratt
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To whom it may concern:
Several great cards will hit the auction block at Garth’s Eclectic Auction, Friday, April 1st at 9:00 a.m.
Lot # 1240, MICKEY MANTLE BASEBALL CARD. 1957 Topps # 95. In a plastic case.
Lot #1245, MICKEY MANTLE/YOGI BERRA BASEBALL CARD. 1957 Topps # 407. In plastic slip case.
Lot #1254TWO 1956 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS. A # 20 Al Kaline. Together with a # 30 Jackie Robinson.
Lot #1263 TWO WILLIE MAYS BASEBALL CARDS. Both 1957 Topps # 10. In plastic slip cases.
I have attached a photo of the Mikey Mantle for you to review.
For more information, please visit, http://www.garths.com.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Best,
Christa Johnson
Director Of Public Relations
Garth’s Auctions, Inc.
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cell: 614-325-9660
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Have found photo of my grandfather, Robert “Bobby” Madigan, wearing a Gunthers uniform which would place the timing between 1905-1913.
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Please include us on your mailing list.
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I have dinner pictures of the 1969 50th anniversary dinner honoring my grand father AL “Nitch” Geilow, who was quite active in the organization since 1919. He retired baseball in 1918. He then worked with the Chicago White Sox organization until he died at a grand age of 96.
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I have a button that I believe commemorates the signing of the first nine pro players for Chicago.It reads: Old Timers’ Baseball Assn’ 1869 – 1919 50th Anniversary. The button is 2 1/4″ and has red and white stripes and blue field w/stars at the top. Geraghty&Co. Chicago.
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Yup, that’s the real McCoy. In 1919, it was Foley who had signed those 9 players on 1869 who established the club (actually, it became incorporated in 1919; as a club, it was already around but not formally). The OTBAC i the oldest baseball club existing; keeping it?
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We found a money clip from the 50tj Anniversary of this organization at our grandfather’s house, he asked me to find out about it. I have a picture. Can anyone give me some information that he might find entertaining?
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Hello, Melissa! Yes, one of a few pieces made to commemorate an anniversary. While they do show up on Ebay here and there, Remember that your grandfather WAS THERE and, IMHO, makes it a personal item you may wish to keep.
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My father and I used to go to dinners at a place that used to be called The White Eagle, is this the same old timers baseball association. I have a key chain that is the 80th anniversary.
Back Reads
80th Anniversary
John Klippstein
17th President 1998Thanks,
David-
Yessir, same club, David! Klippstein was our President back then!
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Hi. Any info on John “Kid Broad” Wanaurny, an umpire in Chicago and a member of this organization? It’s listed in his obit in 1964.
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Thanks for wandering over; I have the last of the membership cards wrapped with strings as I got them years ago; a little time required but if it’s there, I’ll find him. The club still legally exists, although on paper. I’ve been a member since 1978, so if it exists, it’s in bins here 🙂
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Didn’t find anything on the SABR site. Came here following the hint in Wanourney’s obit. If you do find anything our family would greatly appreciate it. John “Kid Broad” Wanourney was our great grandfather. If I find anything in my searches at other sites (and I’ll keep looking at SABR) I’ll let you know. Thanks for the quick response.
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SABR has a ton of information on old players; check them?
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Unfortunately, I dug back to both cards and record books from 1961-1964 and came up with nothing. That doesn’t dispute his membership, just what records still exist.The other sources would be donors in the annual “Roll out the barrel” but I’mnot wiling to dig through decades. Sorry for that!
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Old Timers' Baseball Association of Chicago 
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