In the collection is a souvenir program from McGraw day from nearly 100 years ago signed neatly by the longtime Giants’ skipper. His 30 seasons at the helm of the Giants and lone season with the National League Baltimore Orioles netted an NL-record 2,669 wins. His overall win total of 2,763 ranks second only to Connie Mack.

The program reads, “His first professional engagement was with the Wellsville Club in 1891 when but 17 years old.” McGraw would go on to have a stellar playing career that would last nearly two decades. His .466 career on-base percentage ranks behind only Ted Williams and Babe Ruth.

The inside of the program offers a look at the day’s schedule. After the 9:00 breakfast at the country club, guests were granted the the treat of an “Auto Sight Seeing Trip at 9:45. Rail was the primary form of transport in 1917 with only a few Americans owning cars. You can only imagine the excitement for those in attendance.

John McGraw was known for his fiery temper and competitive nature. On the ballfield that often translated into early exits for the Giants manager. Indeed, McGraw set held the record for career ejections more than 75 years after his death.

From 1910-1916 each time McGraw got the thumb New York captain Larry Doyle took over. A second baseman by trade, Doyle was McGraw’s trusted lieutenant. The two and Giants pitcher Christy Mathewson remained close throughout their lives.

Shown here is a picture of McGraw and Doyle signed by the Giants captain.

A former batting champ and NL MVP, Doyle was one of the finest second basemen of his era. Many believe his career is worthy of Hall of Fame consideration. His 125 OPS+ ranks above ten Cooperstown second basemen including Roberto Alomar, Ryne Sandberg, Craig Biggio, and Frank Frisch.

George Kelly played first base for the New York Giants and John McGraw for eleven seasons. In this handwritten letter, Kelly states, “As you know I had quite a few thrills playing in the big leagues and my first was playing for the NY Giants and the greatest manager of all time, John J. McGraw.”

Their years together would result in four National League Championships and two World Series titles.

The New York chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America created the William J. Slocum Award in 1930. Named after a beloved sportswriter who covered the game for two decades, the honor has been given to the most influential men in the game’s history.

The recipients include more than 50 members of the Hall of Fame including 15 first-ballot selections. Baseball titans Babe Ruth, Walter Johnson, Stan Musial and Willie Mays all received it.

In 1933, John McGraw became the fourth man to add it to his trophy case.

In the collection is the William J. Slocum Award given to Vin Scully in 1995