Description
First edition of the 1883 Constitution and Playing Rules of the National League of Professional Base Ball Clubs, published by A.G. Spalding & Brothers of Chicago.
Octavo, [x], [3]-103pp, [17]. Bound in full brown sheepskin, title in gilt on cover, embossed illustrations. Includes chapters on league rules, membership, dues and playing rules. Also includes a diagram of the playing field, current team rosters in the National and American Leagues, results of the 1882 baseball season and 7-pages of advertisements of products from Spalding Brothers. This copy belonged to W.E. Furlong, a National League umpire from Boston, with his signature on the front free endpaper. Housed in custom red cloth clamshell, title in gilt over red morocco on spine.
A scarce piece of baseball publishing history.
The first National League Constitution was published by Alfred G. Spalding in 1877. Spalding made his fortune selling baseball equipment and the company he founded continues to this day. The rule book was published annually between 1877 – 1920, and updated with new statistics, schedules, and player rosters.
