THE FIRST BASEBALL BIOGRAPHY: CHICAGO SUPERSTAR “CAP” ANSON’S REMINISCENCES, 1900
ANSON, Adrian C. A Ball Player's Career. Chicago: Era Publishing, 1900. Octavo, original pictorial green cloth, patterned endpapers.
First edition of “the personal experiences and reminiscences” of the captain and manager of the 1880s and ’90s Chicago White Stockings, including an account of the 1889 world tour.
Considered the first biography of a baseball player, Anson's Ball Player's Career describes the early days of professional baseball as teams "made up of home players and the doings of 'our team' furnished the chief subject of conversation at the corner grocery… The craze was spreading like wildfire all over the country." "With three championships under his belt and his spectacular 1881 season statistics (he batted an astounding .399, knocking out 137 hits and driving in 82 RBIs, all league bests), Anson became a superstar in Chicago, perhaps the most recognizable face of the city. The White Stockings continued their dominance into the 1882 season, capturing the NL pennant for a record third straight season with a 55-29… With back-to-back-to-back championships, Anson and his White Stockings were the toast of the baseball world… His career statistics were simply unparalleled. He was the first member of the 3,000 hit club, with 3,418 hits. He had played in 2,523 games and averaged 1 hit in every 3 at bats (a .333 career average). Only two players, Babe Ruth and Hank Aaron, have bettered his 2,076 career RBIs. Anson was simply the greatest hitter of 19th-century baseball" (Cap Chronicled). Smith 10112. Grobani 8-2. Owner signature and stamp.
Interior fine, inner hinges expertly reinforced, moderate soiling and spine-wear to original cloth. A very good copy. Scarce.