Detailing the early history of the sport that many call America's national pastime, A.G. Spalding's 1911 book, "America's National Game," was a landmark piece of sports writing. It gives a glimpse into the mindset of those involved with baseball during its youngest days, from the perspective of one of the sport's first big names. This copy of "America's National Game" was owned by John M. Ward, a player famous for challenging baseball's "reverse clause," in the process starting a new league and setting in motion a series of events that would eventually help shape modern Major League Baseball. The book comes with a signature and inscription from Spalding himself, signed "To my old friend John M. Ward with my compliments. A.G. Spalding New York Oct 13, 1911." The signature rates a stunning 9/10, and the book itself is in Excellent (EX) condition, with only slight wear on the top and bottom of the binding, and some separation of the binding inside the front.