1884 BASEBALL. First Edition of the First Novel Devoted Exclusively to "America's Game." Slavery considered by many to have

considered by many to have been a prophet

5 marginal ink " } " and one word

Minneapolis

a charming 18th century engraving of Whitefield

1884 BASEBALL. First Edition of the First Novel Devoted Exclusively to "America's Game." Slavery considered by many to haveA beautifully preserved example of the true first edition of the "first novel devoted exclusively to baseball" (Grobani 12 2c). This alone makes it a landmark in American literary and sports history a cornerstone document in a genre that would eventually produce a rich tradition of baseball fiction. The story begins when two teams from different sides of the track start a game. The town fathers decide to sponsor a team, putting together the best