Here we have an extraordinary 1954 original hardcover first edition of one of the most significant books in baseball history, autographed by author Al Campanis along with Jackie Robinson and other Dodgers players and coaches. Beckett has graded the seven autographs a perfect 10/10.

There was a time when "The Dodger Way" for HOW TO PLAY BASEBALL was considered the blueprint for success in baseball, and the title of the book given out to players in the organization. It was prepared by Al Campanis, the team’s Director of Player Personnel, and it eventually made its way to the public in 1954. Campanis, who passed away in 1998, was a shortstop in the Dodger organization and a teammate of Jackie Robinson’s in Montreal in 1946. Campanis played only 20 games in the Major Leagues, but he became the club’s Scouting Director before moving up the ranks. Campanis was a proud “Rickey Man” in the tradition of Branch Rickey’s teachings, and one of the most respected men in the game. In this book Campanis captures the wisdom of Rickey and many other baseball legends.

Even though all major league franchises now had access to the Dodgers formula for success, these other teams did not have a Jackie Robinson, Walt Alston, Don Hoak and other "Boys of Summer" to execute it to near perfection on the field. Several Dodgers and the author Campanis have signed the book on the blank inside page in pristine period blue ballpoint. The signatures rate a perfect 10 in our opinion as well as Beckett's.

Campanis' vintage Brooklyn business card is also included. What a sweet piece of Dodger and baseball history, signed by the author and some of those who carried out "The Dodger Way"! Beckett graded LOA included.