Abram (or Abraham) Bass made his First-Class debut against Hampshire at Southampton in 1843; two innings, both of eight runs, no catches and no wickets meant that it proved his only Notts First XI game.
A member of the great brewing family, he was born in Burton on Trent on 20 July 1804 and was a solicitor by profession. In the 1840s he played regularly in the Gentlemen v Players games at Trent Bridge but most of his cricket was for Burton, which he represented for some 25 years.
He is described as a staunch supporter of cricket and his house had a room with one wall mirrored - in the manner of a ballet school – so that he could practice his batting and check his stance. He employed Cris Tinley as a professional and sponsored many local cricketers. His enthusiasm and drive resulted in the North meeting the MCC at Burton on more than one occasion. His First-Class record reads four matches, 36 runs, top score 10, at 4.50 with one catch taken.
An incident occurred which, if true, is bizarre. When Bass was batting for the North at Lord’s, the ball was thrown in by a fielder, hit Bass’s top hat, which was knocked to the ground, and was then lost. The missile was found lodged between the lining and the crown of the hat.
Bass died at Winshill, Derbyshire, on 15 August 1882; his death certificate shows him as ‘Abram’, but a note later alters this to ‘Abraham’.
July 2020
Nottinghamshire First-Class Number: 54