Lot # 928: 1900s AJ Reach Fred Tenney 4S Model First Baseman Glove - Rare & Significant Mit

Fred Tenney would debut in 1894 for the Boston Beaneaters and finish his career in 1911, back in Beantown, for the Boston Rustlers. Over his seventeen-season playing career he would bat .294 while being widely considered "one of the best defensive first basemen of all time". He is credited with originating the 3-6-3 double play and modernizing the position, playing further off the line and deeper behind the bag which has since become commonplace. Additionally, even the glove he would use was innovative. It was an early example departing from a standardized glove to a position-specific glove, from pocket depth, fingerless format and upgraded padding to protect the first baseman. Offered is one of those early transitional gloves. Unlike the exact one Tenney would use, this mit was fashioned for a right handed thrower, but otherwise displays the innovations that transformed the position. The A.J. Reach mit display minor wear, though presents very well with intact lacing and back buckle. A "4S" model number and a Fred Tenney etched-signature are visible along the top of the frontal padding. While minor leather cracking and an illegible ink notation (below the facsimile) are present, it is undeniable that this glove displays magnificently, while sharing an significant story of the evolution of the game.