This original bank ledger statement from December 31, 1917, is an extraordinary relic from the early days of Major League Baseball, specifically tied to the Chicago National League Ball Club, now known as the Chicago Cubs. Issued by The First National Bank of Chicago, the document details the team's financial transactions, checks issued, deposits made, and an ending balance of $10,646.98—a significant sum in its day. This kind of ledger would have been used to manage team operations, including payroll, travel, and stadium expenses. What makes this piece especially remarkable is how it offers a tangible link to baseball operations during World War I, a time when America—and its pastime—was undergoing great change. In 1917, the Cubs were managed by Fred Mitchell and finished 5th in the National League. A cool fact: less than a year later, the team would move into what is now Wrigley Field—a stadium still beloved by fans over a century later. This document isn't just a financial record—it's a window into the business of baseball during one of its most formative eras.