A History of the Boston Base Ball Club

Boston: M. F. Quinn & Co., 1897 First edition. Original red cloth, with front board lettered in gilt, and advertisements to endpapers. Very good, with light wear to spine ends and corners, light toning to spine with a bit of discoloration to head of spine, front hinge starting, light spotting to endpapers, and light soiling to some pages. Overall, a handsome copy. This 19th century baseball book surveys the history of baseball and, more specifically, the history of the Boston Base Ball Club, from its inception in 1871 to 1897. The book also features profiles of players on the roster at the time of publication, and earlier greats, like Mike "King" Kelly and A. G. Spalding. In 1869, the first all-professional baseball team, The Cincinnati Red Stockings, was assembled, but they were disbanded just one year later. In 1871, ex-Cincinnati player Harry Wright, his brother George, and two other teammates came to Boston and helped form the Boston Red Stockings, which won four titles in five years (1872 - 1875). The franchise still operates today as the Atlanta Braves, and is the longest-operating professional sports franchise in North America. . First Edition. Hard Cover. Very Good.