Cricket

Toronto vs. Rosedale
Photographer unknown
Photograph, 1911

The quintessentially English game of cricket was first introduced to Canada by British officers. The York (Toronto) Cricket Club was founded in 1829. In the 20th century, the sport steadily lost popularity to American baseball.

This photograph of the Toronto and Rosedale Cricket Clubs was likely taken in front of the Toronto Lacrosse Club clubhouse in Rosedale Park. The inscription identifies two members of the team: D W. Saunders (front row, fourth from left) and Percy Henderson (back row, third from left).

Gentlemen of England vs. Toronto Cricket Club

Rolph, Smith & Co., Toronto, 1875

Lithotint

Gift of John Ross Robertson

This international cricket match was played from September 2-4, 1872 at the Toronto Cricket Club Grounds which were on College Street near Queen's Park.

International Cricket Match, 1891
Ribbon

In 1844, Canada and the United States of America met in their first official international match at the St. George's Club in New York. The Canadian team lost by 37 runs in the 1891 match held in Toronto.

A New Cricketing Costume
Artist unknown
From Dominion Illustrated News, Vol. 7, No. 159, Page 65, 1891

This cricketing costume was illustrated in a column entitled “Tea Table Talk: A Woman’s Letter to Women.” According to the author, this “new cricketing costume may be found useful, now that ladies are taking so very enthusiastically to the game […].”