EARLY BASEBALL MYSTERY SOLVED? Frank B. Sheridan Cabinet Card Photograph BY J. Wood

On October 9, 1875, a player identified only as "Sheridan" appeared in one game for the Brooklyn Atlantics, playing left field and going 0-for-4 with a strikeout. His identity has remained unknown to baseball historians. This newly discovered cabinet card photograph introduces Frank B. Sheridan as a potential candidate. The photo, taken at 208 Bowery in New York, dates from the appropriate era and shows a young man of playing age from the right geographic area. While this compelling piece of evidence could help solve a nearly 150-year-old baseball mystery, no definitive connection has yet been established between Frank B. Sheridan and the Atlantics' mystery outfielder. Further historical research would be needed to confirm if they are indeed the same person.

This kind of "one-game wonder" mystery is particularly intriguing to baseball enthusiasts, as there are several players from the early professional era whose identities remain unknown despite appearing in major league games.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Original 19th century Cabinet card photograph of Frank B. Sheridan, possibly an early NYC baseball player. The photograph was taken by J. Wood at 208 Bowery, New York City. Possibly unique; No doubt rare.

Source Citation:
"Sheridan," Baseball Reference Bullpen
Referenced in: Biographical Research Committee Report, SABR, September/October 2015, p. 2.