Indian Fever

Most of the Cleveland Indians season passes in the accompanying gallery once belonged to legendary baseball photographer Louis Van Oeyen, who began practicing his craft in Cleveland during the early 1900s. (More information about Van Oeyen can be found at the Western Reserve Historical Society Web site.)

The 12 Van Oeyen passes were part of the Barry Halper collection that was auctioned by Sotheby's in December 1999. I found it curious at the time of the auction (and still do, as a matter of fact) that although the catalog description said the passes were issued to Van Oeyen, his importance in the history of baseball photography was not mentioned. The ornateness, age and detail on some of the passes make them desired collectibles in their own right, but the fact they once belonged to Louis Van Oeyen makes them true treasures. At least in my opinion.

Click here to view a gallery of Cleveland Indians season passes