The points of issue
The landmark baseball memoir, edited by Leonard Shecter, published by The World Publishing Company in 1970. The first printing is identified by the statement First Printing dated May 1970 on the copyright page, bound in pale blue cloth with a white pictorial dust jacket carrying its printed price. Identify by the May 1970 first-printing statement and the priced first-state jacket.
Is this the true first?
The US World Publishing first is the true first, the most collected modern baseball book. First printings in fine jackets are scarce because the book was read to pieces.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
The book was a major bestseller with numerous later printings; verify the copyright page reads First Printing, May 1970 with no higher printing line, and that the jacket retains its printed price.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Ball Four a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: The landmark baseball memoir, edited by Leonard Shecter, published by The World Publishing Company in 1970. The first printing is identified by the statement First Printing dated May 1970 on the copyright page, bound in pale blue cloth with a white pictorial dust jacket carrying its printed price. Identify by the May 1970 first-printing statement and the priced first-state jacket.
How do I tell the first printing from a later one?
Check the copyright page for the publisher's first-printing convention and confirm the points above. The US World Publishing first is the true first, the most collected modern baseball book. First printings in fine jackets are scarce because the book was read to pieces.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
The book was a major bestseller with numerous later printings; verify the copyright page reads First Printing, May 1970 with no higher printing line, and that the jacket retains its printed price.
I have a first edition of Ball Four — what should I do?
If you're clearing books, New Mexico Literacy Project offers free pickup in Albuquerque, any condition, and makes sure collectible copies aren't lost. To sell, see the author's collecting guide. Either way, nothing valuable ends up in a landfill.