bgar3
02-16-2018, 12:59 PM
The Laws of Base Ball manuscript was auctioned in 2016 for over 3 million dollars. It was drafted in 1857 by Doc Adams for presentation to a convention of New York vicinity clubs, not really an affordable collectible for most of us. However, there are several early Base Ball Rules opportunities available to collectors. I have attached photos of an example below.
Even before the 1857 Rules, there was a published version of the Knickerbocker Rules in 1848, although I do not think a copy of that publication still exists. These early rule publications were usually limited and used by individual clubs and were not really intended for the general public. But, in 1854, three New York clubs, Knickerbockers, Gotham’s and Eagles, agreed to play games by the same rules. These were printed in the May 12, 1855 Spirit of the Times, p. 147, complete with a diagram and supplemented by a schedule of practice days and ball grounds for the local clubs. This was a major step, since it was the first major public attempt to spread the rules and game to a wider audience.
This is a pretty important link between the more famous 1845-48 Knickerbocker Rules and the 1857 more comprehensive version
I am always interested in hearing about similar earl history items.
Even before the 1857 Rules, there was a published version of the Knickerbocker Rules in 1848, although I do not think a copy of that publication still exists. These early rule publications were usually limited and used by individual clubs and were not really intended for the general public. But, in 1854, three New York clubs, Knickerbockers, Gotham’s and Eagles, agreed to play games by the same rules. These were printed in the May 12, 1855 Spirit of the Times, p. 147, complete with a diagram and supplemented by a schedule of practice days and ball grounds for the local clubs. This was a major step, since it was the first major public attempt to spread the rules and game to a wider audience.
This is a pretty important link between the more famous 1845-48 Knickerbocker Rules and the 1857 more comprehensive version
I am always interested in hearing about similar earl history items.