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1888 John Montgomery Ward Book

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1888 John Montgomery Ward Book

Pristine example of John Ward's famous book, Baseball: How to Become a Player, with the Origin, History, and Explanation of the Game (Philadelphia: Athletic Publishing, 1888). First Edition. 149 pages. This extremely rare soft cover book includes a detailed history of the game in addition to instructions on how to play. It would be hard to imagine a finer copy of this rare and significant volume. This is an absolutely stunning high-grade example, in Near Mint condition, with no evidence of wear or handling. This book was actually written (not ghosted) by John Ward. A wood-engraved portrait of Ward appears on the flyleaf. Ward is recognized as one of the most important and influential players of the nineteenth century. In addition to being a star pitcher, and later a standout shortstop for the N.Y. Giants during the 1880s, he was also one of major league baseball's few true scholars. Ward was a college graduate (Penn State), and he later earned a Law degree from Columbia. In 1890, Ward served as the leader of the short-lived renegade Player's League. This example of Ward's book is the plate specimen pictured on page 143 of John Kashmanian's Baseball Treasures. It is without question the very finest copy in existence of this extremely rare and significant early baseball book. Near Mint condition. Reserve $1,000. Estimate $2,000/$4,000.

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