19th Century Baseball Sources
 

Does anyone have recommendations as to what sources might be best for learning more about baseball in the 19th century? I'm interested in learning more about the path the game took towards the turn of the century. Any leads would be much appreciated.

I just got Inventing Baseball, the 100 best 19th century games. Great stuff. Here is a link to see it

http://www.amazon.com/Inventing-Base.../dp/1933599421

I'm reading Spalding's World Tour. It is a book about 1889 world baseball tour. I am about 1/4 through and it so far so good.

One indispensable source is Harold Seymour's three volume set on baseball history. This was developed out of his doctoral dissertation, and is perhaps the most important research done on the growth of the early game. It's a must read.

+1

Supplement Seymour's work with America's National Game by Albert Goodwill Spalding

19th Century Baseball Sources Reply to Thread
 

"The Book of Baseball" first issue was from 1911, should be able to find later reprinted copies - great resource for the early game of baseball

also read the Barry Halper Auction Books, has some great early baseball info


Jimmy

Baseball in the Garden of Eden: The Secret History of the Early Game...

This explores the origins of base ball, so definitely prior to the turn of the century, but might give you some different accounts about the beginning of the game-depending on what you have researched already.

http://sabr.org/ is a fabulous site. The player profiles on the site are mostly gems and contain a ton of great information.