Mid-Summer Classic Auction 2013

Very interesting 1878 Constitution and Official Playing Rules of the National League of Professional Base Ball Clubs is full of information. Rules were published by A. G. Spalding & Bro. and cost 10 cents. Inside first page is a small blue piece of paper attached that reads "Compliments of the Publisher". In addition to all the rules, included are a list of all team officials and players for each club for 1878, Every score for each game played in 1877, complete batting and fielding statistics, both individual and team for 1877, a list of all the League hotels, and the full minutes for the December 4 & 5, 1877 Board of Directors meeting in Cleveland, Ohio. Minutes are interesting, dealing with items like the resignation of the St. Louis team, the admittance of Indianapolis, Milwaukee, and the re-admittance of Cincinnati, the election of League officers, and individual player grievances. Also present at the back are a few pages of interesting period ads - Spalding Sporting Goods, hotels, and railroads. Cover still present but has some chipping, especially along the spine, and staining. Inside pages all very readable but do have some light water staining along the bottom and side edge. An incredible read from the earliest beginnings of the National League.