American baseball executive (c.1866-1926) who, with William S. Devery, were the first owners of the New York Highlanders (now New York Yankees). They purchased the Baltimore Orioles on January 9, 1903, for $18,000 and moved it to New York City. Rare partly-printed DS, one page, 11.5 x 9, December 15, 1903. Stock certificate “No. 9” issued to Frank J. Farrell for 200 shares in the Greater New York Baseball Association, signed at the conclusion by David V. Hopps as president and George F. Handel as treasurer. Endorsed on the reverse in fountain pen by Farrell. In fine condition, with light creasing, and several pin holes to the upper and lower borders.
On January 9, 1903, Frank J. Farrell, with Tammany Hall business partner William S. Devery, purchased a disbanded Baltimore Orioles franchise for $18,000, moved the team to Manhattan, and renamed them the New York Highlanders. While playing at the Polo Grounds, the name ‘Highlanders’ fell into disuse among the press, and in 1913 the team became officially known as the New York Yankees, a name that has since become synonymous with American sports. An outstanding document from the dawn of New York City baseball, issued to and signed by one of New York’s original owners, and dated to the very year NYC baseball came into existence.
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