Absolutely stunning, terribly rare 1st edition copy of the 1902 large-bound (11 x 14") Base Ball 1845-1871, Volume 1", which as the subtitle says, related "The History, Statistics and Romance of the American National Game from Its Inception to the Present Time." Written and published by San Francisco historian Seymour R. Church, it notably omits the Abner Doubleday myth that the game's overlords, led by Albert Spaulding, were foisting on the public at the time. Instead, it traces the game back to Knickerbockers and the National Association, and features dozens of portraits, many in delicate color renderings, of early legends like George Wright, Nap Lajoie, team rosters, game and stadium scenes, early ads, and club directories (including those of obscure West Coast units like the "Pacifics" and the "Eagles"). Church dedicated this book to seminal Cincinnati Redstocking catcher Cal McVey, whose picture is the 1st to appear, and signed the dedication page with his name and a Philadelphia address. The book's red front and back covers are NRMT, with the title in bright gold, while the spine has a small tear and interior damage has loosened some pages and left stains on the spinal areas of most pages. Still, a superior copy of arguably the 1st great (and accurate) history of the game.