I’m pleased to announce the publication of a new edition of Sol White’s Official Base Ball Guide, with an introduction and notes by yours truly. This pamphlet, packed with photos and tiny print, was originally published in 1907 and sold at Philadelphia Giants games. It was the first book devoted solely to black professional baseball, and remained the only one for more than 60 years. To this day it’s one of only a handful of books on nineteenth-century black baseball.
My introduction goes over Sol White’s life and career, adding some to what’s been published about him. I’ve also written some brief notes on the players, managers, and owners who are pictured in the book’s photos, and identified the players in several of the team photos.
The publisher is Summer Game Books. It's currently available through them directly, as well as Amazon.com and Smashwords, and should be on several other platforms eventually. You will also be able to order a print copy by April 25.
Post a comment
Comments are moderated, and will not appear until the author has approved them.
Your Information
(Name is required. Email address will not be displayed with the comment.)
Hi J.C., I'm afraid I've not heard of White leaving any of his writings to the library. If anybody has heard anything about this, post here and let us know.
Posted by: Gary Ashwill | November 2, 2020 at 10:54 AM
An interview with Sol White back in 1927 (after retiring from the sport in 1926) said he was looking for a publisher of a part 2 of his original book which took a look at the 20 years following the publication of his first book.
Sadly that manuscript never found a publisher before he died in 1955 at the age of 87. I assume it is forever lost. His last Residence before being hospitalized was in Central Harlem ... I wonder if he left any of his writings to the library there... it is said he spent a lot of time reading in the library after he retired.
Posted by: J.C. Johnsong | September 16, 2020 at 04:46 PM