Blackguards and Red Stockings

“a comprehensive examination of the history of the National Association of baseball”—ProtoView; “Until 1969, no one had any doubt that the National Association of 1871–75 was the first big league, but then Major League Baseball changed its view and cast the NA into official darkness. Bill Ryczek loves that unruly, raucous circuit...so do I...and he unveils its story brilliantly.”—John Thorn, Official Historian of Major League Baseball; Reviews of the first edition: “an extensive amount of research...very informative...excellent”—Nine; “engaging...a good discussion of strategy”—Choice; “an excellent guide to a murky period in baseball’s past...strongly recommend[ed]”—Nineteenth Century Notes; “comprehensive”—Reference & Research Book News; “diligent research and flavorsome writing...reliable, comprehensive history”—Baltimore Evening Sun; “intriguing...extremely rare look into the first professional sports league”—Houston Post; “[This book] sparkles with the author’s wit and charm of a bygone era. It is an exhaustively researched, beautifully fashioned account of the National Association. All baseball histories should be this good!”—Darryl Brock, author of If I Never Get Back.