Expert: Steve L - 12/10/2004

Question
Hi Steve.  

Here goes.  I collect old original baseball prints and newspapers relating to new york baseball specifically national leageu )Dodgers, Mets and Giants) I'm interested in buying an original Harper's weekly from 1865 with a portrait of a team called the ATLANTIC BASE-BALL NINE.   Was this a Brooklyn based team?  I know for a fact that the Brooklys Atlantics were.  I'm having a hard time making sure that the Brookly Atlantics are the Atlantic base-ball nine.  Can you help me out?

Thanks,
Steven from nyc

Answer
Hello, Steve:
Sorry for the delay, but I just returned from a business trip and saw your question.

The BROOKLYN ATLANTICS played in the National Association from 1872-1875.  They were the ancestors of the Brookklyn Bridegrooms, Superbas, Robins and Dodgers, but since they didn't exist before 1872, I don't see how they could be the same team as the ATLANTIC BASEBALL NINE of 1865.