~~~~~~~To My Coy Mistress~~~~~~~

'97 Spalding Baseball Guide with both covers torn off

Bought for 15 dollars at 17 - friends look at it and scoff.

Shedding pretense - while it makes no sense when seen with fleeting glance,

The body contains elegant strains that make historians dance.

Chart after chart quickens the heart from sacrifice hit to steal;

EGAD! Honus Wagner's with Patterson! What a factoid meal!

Details of a momentous campaign show back in '94

How Baltimore's awsome run barrage shut every rival's door.

Lines tell of marvelous players - their exploits unbowed by age:

Brouthers, Ewing, Delehanty - the mysterious Bill Lange.

Fine old names you've never heard but were better than lots you've seen:

Jouett Meekin, Frank Dwyer, Foghorn Tucker and Ed McKean.

Pics throughout make one shout if he's anywhere near scholarly.

Did you know the U. Virginians were coached by Hugh Duffy?

Zane Grey's shown on U. Penn's baseball team, right center, middle row.

A. A. Stagg of football fame bossed baseball at U. Chicago.

Sockalexis of Holy Cross stares straight at photographer;

A rare shot has Lajoie in livery of Fall River.

The ads one meets are hidden treats buried in back of the book;

Gloves and bats, balls and hats - unis with that 'professional' look.

Rackets, ace type bandages - more items than brain can battle;

And, praytell - what in HELL is Christy's Anatomical Saddle?

Magazines fine, Santa Fe Line, places one might hunt doves:

An ad sings the praise of owning Jas. J. Corbett boxing gloves.

15 bucks dropped near Cooperstown in my wallet made a dent

But you know - offhand I can't remember money better spent.

So what if moderns take 1890's ball and parry it?

If this old book could halfway cook, I think I'd marry it.