SIGNED BY 72 NEGRO LEAGUERS, INCLUDING HALL OF FAMERS BUCK O'NEIL, MONTE IRVIN, AND BUCK LEONARD

DIXON, Phil; with HANNIGAN, Patrick J. The Negro Baseball Leagues: A Photographic History. Mattituck, NY: Amereon House, (1992). Quarto, original black cloth, original dust jacket. $6200.

First edition of this photographic history of the Negro Leagues, illustrated with nearly 600 photographs, signed on the front endpapers in silver ink by 72 players, including Buck O'Neil (signed twice), Monte Irvin, Buck Leonard, Mamie "Peanut" Johnson—one of only three women to play in the Negro Leagues, and the only female pitcher—and Ted "Double Duty" Radcliffe.

Dixon and Hannigan document, with nearly 600 photographs, the history of the Negro Leagues, from its beginnings around the time of the Civil War to Jackie Robinson's historic signing with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. Hall of Famer Buck Leonard played for the dynastic Homestead Grays from 1934 to 1950, during which time the team won nine pennants and three Negro World Series titles. In 1999, Sporting News ranked him number 47 on its "100 Greatest Baseball Players" list. Monte Irvin was one of the first African American players to break the color line, joining the MLB in 1947. Mamie "Peanut" Johnson, so nicknamed for her diminutive size, was one of only three women to play in the Negro Leagues, and the only female pitcher, believed to have posted an impressive 33-8 record in her career. Buck O'Neil, who has signed this volume twice, once in silver ink and once in blue on the half title, was a first baseman and manager in the Negro American League, mostly with the Kansas City Monarchs; he went on to become the first African American coach in Major League Baseball. Ted "Double Duty" Radcliffe earned his nickname because he excelled as both a pitcher and a catcher, sometimes switching positions in successive games of doubleheaders. Laid in certificates of authenticity for Wilmer Fields and Buck Leonard signatures.

An about-fine copy, most scarce and desirable with such an extensive collection of signatures.