Finally a new variation to Take Me Out to the Ball Game
Stone193
Posts: 24,437 ✭✭✭✭✭
As some of you know, I'm a collector of the original sheet music for Take me out to the ball game by Norworth/VonTilzer.
It’s been years since I’ve found a new variation to my sheet music collection which started in 2004.
It started with just wanting a copy to frame.
However, when I realized there was more than one face on the cover? I was off to the races which started with a google search which landed me on the door step of the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Thought it would be interesting to start with this post at CU back in 2005 where I stated that I had picked up 2 of the 11 variations of the original sheet music to Take Me Out to the Ball Game.
That information came from the HOF. That also started my relationship with the Dir. of Research - Tim Wiles. He had written a book in 2008 - commemorating the 100th anniversary of the song.
In summary, I had updated the hall’s data base by around 10 song sheets and supplied them with copies. As said, they originally had written that there were 11 variations. I later informed them I was up to 25 and counting!
I have written before about Jack Norworth and his contribution to the song. I may rewrite it at a later time in this thread.
But, now, for the update.
As most know, BST auctions is heavy on FB but I do check on their auctions.
I got an email and went to the web and got the surprise of a lifetime!
There it was - a copy of the sheet music with a singer (photo inset) I had never seen before. So I had to have it.
Osborn Searle is the 29th variation I have and it was pure luck that I happened to look at the auction since I wasn’t interested in buying anything at this time.
Here’s the complete list of all the variations I have.
It’s believed that the “first edition/printing” of the song was with Sadie Jansel on the cover.
- Richard & Grover
- Ida Burt Laurence
- Wheeler Earl
- John Marion – Grace Lillian
- Susie Fisher
- Nevins & Arnold
- J. Francis Dooley
- Henry Fink (mouth closed)
- Trixie Friganza (holding umbrella var.)
- Trixie Friganza (portrait var.)
- Sisters Meredith
- Reynolds & Tucker
- Sam Williams (standing)
- Nora Bayes
- Arna Deck
- Jack Kloville
- Sam Williams (sitting)
- Marion Wilder
- Harry Fox
- Netta Vesta
- Baby Florence Mascotte
- Billy Sousa
- Maude Gray
- Jack Norworth
- Sadie Jansell
- Lulu Beeson
- Henry Fink (showing teeth with smile)
- Richard Burton
- Osborn Searle
In addition, folklore would have it that Jack Norworth reported that he wrote the song after seeing an ad in the subway for a BB game?
I have seen old correspondence where he references attending a game which was prior to that date. Not sure if he was just a plain vaudevillian “huckster” or the copyright was actually later than the actual penning of the song? Perhaps more to that at a later date?
That’s about it for now. This hunt may rival my search for PEP Babe Ruth ring variations? 
Comments
Mike ... congrats on picking up another version. I know this project is near and dear to you. Looking forward to #30.
Doug
Liquidating my collection for the 3rd and final time. Time for others to enjoy what I have enjoyed over the last several decades. Money could be put to better use.
Mike,
Congrats on your new pickup. That is an amazing feat to have 29 different versions of the sheet music to "Take Me Out To The Ballgame"!!!
Donato
Donato's Complete US Type Set ---- Donato's Dansco 7070 Modified Type Set ---- Donato's Basic U.S. Coin Design Set
Successful transactions: Shrub68 (Jim), MWallace (Mike)
Thanx guys.
Thought I would add to this thread as I go along. There's other interesting stuff to add that I may have posted many years ago.
Of interest - Edison invented a fully operational gramophone in 1877 - and his company recorded Take Me Out.... in 1908 - Edward Meeker.
Here's a really good copy I picked up years ago:
note: notice who's name is credited on the lid - not Norworth - interesting.
Awesome stuff as always Mike!
Very Cool Mike!
IMF
Love seeing your updates on finding new versions! I imagine it would be tough, but wondering if you have them on display together somehow?
Great stuff!
And to think all these variations are just a Stone throw from my house
Bowman Baseball -1948-1955
Fleer Baseball-1923, 1959-2007
Al
Not really - too many - they're in 11x14 top loaders. I could consider have one framed tho down the road?
Funny Al. And I'm getting closer to the "unveiling" buddy.
Thanx a lot as always for the kind words guys!
I have a "scan" copy of a letter than Norworth wrote that told the writer that he donated the original handwritten lyrics to the Baseball HOF.
Here's a scan of the copy of the first page:
Very nice stuff here.
Can consider this also part of US history.
1948-76 Topps FB Sets
FB & BB HOF Player sets
1948-1993 NY Yankee Team Sets
This is too cool. I love it!
Nice segment on the CBS News about the song tonight. I was surprised they did not interview Mike as an expert.
http://www.unisquare.com/store/brick/
Ralph
Thanx so much guys!
More to come - sure hope I don't bore ya to death with this stuff?
Very cool Mike, congrats!
Always looking for Topps Salesman Samples, pre '51 unopened packs, E90-2, E91a, N690 Kalamazoo Bats, and T204 Square Frame Ramly's
Great and unique collection, congrats
collecting RAW Topps baseball cards 1952 Highs to 1972. looking for collector grade (somewhere between psa 4-7 condition). let me know what you have, I'll take it, I want to finish sets, I must have something you can use for trade.
looking for Topps 71-72 hi's-62-53-54-55-59, I have these sets started
Stone,
Love seeing your dedication to your project. Congrats on the new pickup
M
Hiya Mike! Another great addition. Here's a little tidbit on a new variation. With all the peanut allergies, kids are now being taught it's "buy me some popcorn and cracker jacks"! I guess in today's day and age, there are so few peanuts in cracker Jacks, they can still mention them!
Yet another variation
Thanx guys for the kind words - always makes the hobby more fun when people say something nice.
Mike---you should post your TMOTTBG collection on 54 at some point
net54baseball.com/showthread.php?t=133378
Bowman Baseball -1948-1955
Fleer Baseball-1923, 1959-2007
Al
Thanx Al - I'm thinking I might have posted something years ago? But, since I've hit the jackpot this year? Might not be a bad idea.