First published use of term base-ball

[bgar3]

The photo below is of page 9 from volume 1 of The Card, by Kidgell, London, 1755. It is now believed to be the first published use of the term base ball that exists. (Discovered by David Block in 2007.)
It is assumed The Little Pretty Pocket Book used the term in 1744, but the earliest known copy is dated 1760.
FYI, the first use in the US is aPittsfield, MA. Ordinance dated 1791, discovered by John Thorn I believe.
I realize this may not be of interest to most, but the few remaining book collectors might be interested.

[Jobu]

Thanks for posting this, I think it is interesting. (I did read Baseball in the Garden of Eden.)

Is there any description of the game itself? Also, do you know anything about the Teens game referenced, "Fives"?

[bgar3]

I believe teens is just a reference point, like manhood. According to Dickson’s Dictionary, fives refers to handball.

[bgar3]

Sorry, there is no other reference to the game itself.

[Jason19th]

Great pick up
Here is a description of fives from a circa 1850's game book

[bgar3]

Thanks for the fives description, Jason19th. The book it comes from probably has several references to baseball forerunners.

[barrysloate]

Although Little Pretty Pocketbook has a poem and illustration of the game, I don't believe it actually uses the term "baseball" (I don't have my reprint copy handy). It does use the word "Base" though, and the reference is clear.

[bgar3]

Barry, I think the poem is entitled base ball, but I will try to double check. It is.

[barrysloate]

My memory is not what it used to be. I'm traveling now and don't have access to the book.

[murphusa]

always, great stuff

[bgar3]

Barry, I checked it is the title, Base Ball. Edited above to reflect it.
Jim, thank you.

[barrysloate]

My bad.:o