FROM “SPARKY” ADAMS TO TOM ZACHARY: WHO’S WHO IN MAJOR LEAGUE BASE BALL, 1933

JOHNSON, Harold (Speed). Who’s Who in Major League Base Ball. Chicago: Buxton, (1933). Quarto, original red cloth gilt, original dust jacket. $1500.

First edition, containing sepia half-tone portraits, “intimate biographical sketches” and up-to-date statistics for all the then-current major leaguers, as well as various executives, coaches and baseball immortals.

“We know that many of you will be surprised, as you look into the faces of these men whom you have always seen in uniform. They are a clean healthy bunch of fellows…” First printing of this important directory, later issued annually from 1935-55. Includes a brief history of the game and official rules. Smith 8592 (dated 1934). Grobani 4-86.

Interior fine. Light dampstain to rear board near spine foot. Dust jacket with edge-wear, large chip and moderate soiling to rear panel, loss of spine foot. A very good copy.