From its earliest days in the mid-1800s, baseball has had a warm place in the heart of American men and women. So it was natural for them to keep mementos of the game. Programs, team pictures, pennants, uniforms, and baseballs were commonly a part of the fan"s collection. Seeing the public"s fascination with the sport, companies began t use the baseball theme in their advertising. Trade cards, endorsements, and novelty items included the images of America"s heroes beside the prominent name of the product being sold. Some of the finest baseball treasures are illustrated here in full color, reflecting the artistry of the nineteenth and early twentieth century. There are images of the heroes of the game, legendary names like Kelly, Ward, Cobb, Ruth, Gehrig, Robinson, and Mays. Here is a large selection of ephemera, uniforms, autographs, advertising, souvenirs, equipment, and much more to interest today"s collector. Antiques from the Negro Leagues are also included, with a number of rare team photos. For the baseball lover or the collector of sports memorabilia, this will be a delightful, indispensable book.