Early Twentieth Century Baseball Statistics and League Organization Spalding’s Official Base Ball Guide 1912 First Edition

John B. Foster

First Edition

Foster, John B. Spalding’s Official Base Ball Guide (1912) documents the organization, statistics, and cultural prominence of professional baseball during the early twentieth century, when the sport had become widely recognized as the United States’ national pastime. Edited by sportswriter John B. Foster and published during the period of rapid growth in professional leagues, the guide records the results and statistical records of the 1911 baseball season while presenting commentary on rules, league administration, and the expanding structure of organized baseball. The volume includes discussion of prominent players such as Frank Baker and references public events such as the ceremonial opening of the baseball season by William Howard Taft, reflecting the sport’s increasing visibility within American public life during the Progressive Era.

Foster, John B., ed. Spalding’s Official Base Ball Guide: Thirty Sixth Year, 1912. New York: American Sports Publishing Company, 1912. First edition. The guide provides a comprehensive record of the 1911 professional baseball season, including statistical summaries for the American and National Leagues and extensive coverage of regional minor leagues such as the Central Kansas League, the Cotton States League, and the Pacific Coast League. Essays discuss rule interpretations, umpiring practices, and developments in league organization, while reference sections include player position guides, diagrams of baseball fields, schedules, and statistical indexes. The volume also contains commentary on contemporary baseball culture including the popularity of Frank Baker, whose home run totals in 1911 earned him the nickname “Home Run Baker,” and an essay titled “President Taft Opens the Season.”

One volume, 383 pages, illustrated with black and white photographs, charts, and engravings. Original color lithographed wrappers depicting a baseball player in nineteenth century style uniform with red trimmed lettering. Spine chipped and cracked with loss at the crown and foot; wrappers detached along the interior hinge with edge chipping, abrasions, and corner creasing. Interior text block complete with light toning and occasional corner wear; faint penciled inscription on internal advertisement page. Overall condition good.

Item #22020

Price: $1,200.00