Connie Mack may have disagreed but the move he made in the middle of the 1910 season has to go down as one of the most lopsided in baseball history. The patriarch of the Philadelphia Athletics acquired outfielder Bris Lord from Cleveland, a 
player who Mack insisted played a key role in the A’s run to the World Series title in 1910—and again in 1911. In return, though, he surrendered another young outfielder with promise. While Lord was a slightly better than adequate player, Shoeless Joe Jackson became a star.
The championship pin Mack presented to Lord for his part in that 1910 championship is now coming to the open market. Heritage Auctions will offer it next month as part of a major catalog auction.
The gold pin weighs 12 grams and remains in virtually new condition. It includes a diamond in the center and the words “World’s Champions 1910.” On the back is engraved “Briscoe Lord” (Lord’s first name was actually Bristol). It comes with a letter of authenticity from Lord’s grandson. The pin was original sold by the Lord family with a two-page handwritten letter on team letterhead from Connie Mack regarding contract negotiations for either the 1911 or 1912 season, which will be included with the lot.
Lord did indeed help the A’s win it all 107 seasons ago. He hit .280 with a homer and 20 RBI during 70 games with the NL team. In the World Series, Lord drove in the first run in the top of the eighth inning of the clinching Game 5 against the Cubs. In 1911, he enjoyed his career year, batting .310. He only played two more seasons, however, finishing as a career .256 hitter.
Jackson, 22 at the time of the trade, would hit .356 until his banishment from baseball after the 1920 regular season.
The pin is expected to sell for at least $10,000.
Related Stories:
Scrapbook Surrenders 1910 Philadelphia Athletics Photo
Five M101-4 and M101-5 Cards Under the Radar
Rare Bling: George McBride’s Minty 1911 Barnstorming Pendant
Philadelphia Story: Connie Mack’s Long-Lost Ledger Books at Auction
Consignment of the Week: Bryant’s 1st World Series Hit Bat
Rare Ali-Liston II Fight Poster, Signed by Sonny, Up for Bid
Photo of the Day: Mack, McGraw and the First Mid-Summer Classic
Memorabilia from Long Ago Philadelphia A’s player Uncovered
