A. C. Phonney Martin scrapbook
Scope and Contents
This is a scrapbook compiled by Alphonse Case (A.C.) “Phonney” Martin concerning the invention of the curve ball. This scrapbook consists of typed and handwritten manuscript pages, clippings, correspondence, and handwritten notes. The contents of this manuscript reflects Martin’s work in positing that either Bob Matthews or Martin himself, rather than Candy Cummings, was the first to pitch a curve ball. The scrapbook is divided into chapter-like sections and also includes miscellaneous articles and clippings. Many of the manuscript pages are sourced as to where Martin found the information. Teams include the Knickerbockers, Brooklyn Eckfords, Brooklyn Atlantics, New York Mutuals, and the Union Baseball Club.
Dates
- 1845-1933
Creator
- Martin, Phonney, 1845-1933 (Person)
Conditions Governing Access
Materials are open without restrictions but viewing materials does require an appointment. Please contact the Giamatti Research Center, research@baseballhall.org, 607-547-0330.
Conditions Governing Use
The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum provides use copies of materials to facilitate private study, scholarship, and research. The Museum welcomes you to use materials in our collections that are in the public domain and to make fair use of copyrighted materials as defined by copyright law and with proper citation. Permission to publish materials must be obtained from: Giamatti Research Center, National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, 25 Main St., Cooperstown, NY 13326 Phone: 607.547.0330 E-mail: research@baseballhall.org
Biographical / Historical
It is said that Phonney Martin was the first to pitch the slow curve ball, a pitch which he developed while he was in the union army in the civil war. He played some form of organized baseball dating back to the 1860’s. Martin pitched the ball with a twist of the fingers and the wrist, manipulating the ball like no other pitcher at the time.
Extent
1.08 Linear Feet (One scrapbook in a flat box)
.50 Cubic Feet
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
This is a scrapbook compiled by Alphonse Case (A.C.) “Phonney” Martin concerning the invention of the curve ball. This scrapbook consists of typed manuscript pages, clippings, correspondence, and handwritten notes, dated between 1845 and 1933.
Arrangement
The scrapbook is arranged by subject matter.
Physical Location
Central Archives, Aisle 1, Range a, Shelf 5
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift (BL-1943-00033)
Appraisal
No materials were removed during accessioning or processing.
Processing Information
Each individual titled section was placed into archival sleeves and are in a flat box.
Creator
- Martin, Phonney, 1845-1933 (Person)
- Title
- Guide to the A. C. Phonney Martin scrapbook
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Laura Lay, Steele intern, reviewed by Claudette Scrafford, manuscript archivist
- Date
- June 2009
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum Archives Repository