Base-ball : $b How to become a player, with the origin, history and explanation of the game

"Base-Ball: How to Become a Player" by John Montgomery Ward is a historical and instructional treatise on the game of baseball written in the late 19th century. The book delves into the origins, history, and rules of baseball, as well as offering practical advice for aspiring players. It aims to provide insight not just into gameplay mechanics but the spirit and culture surrounding the sport, shedding light on why baseball holds a treasured place in American society. The opening of the book introduces Ward's motivation for writing—his desire to clarify and share insights about baseball that can only come from experience as a player. He discusses the ambiguous origins of the game and engages with various theories regarding its inception, highlighting the lack of thorough documentation on the subject. The preface sets the stage for the content to follow, hinting at a mix of historical narrative and practical guidance, leading into chapters that will instruct readers on theories of play, training regimens, and the roles of key positions on the field. Overall, Ward presents a vision of baseball as a uniquely American pastime deserving of respect and understanding.