Smithsonian Baseball Inside the World's Finest Private Collections by Stephen Wong Susan Einstein, photographer ISBN: 0060838515 $29.95 Hardcover Collins To a collector, there is no joy parallel to finding that elusive home-run ball or a jersey worn by a legendary player. Smithsonian Baseball: Inside the World's Finest Private Collections celebrates the abiding passion for our national pastime, as witnessed by the dedication of the sport's most devoted collectors. The first book of its kind, Smithsonian Baseball features revealing stories and lavish photography highlighting 21 of the best private collections of baseball memorabilia in existence. From a rare copy of the first written rules of the game (1848) to Mark McGwire's record-shattering home-run ball (1998), these impressive collections span baseball's entire history. Some of the game's most historically significant artifacts are part of these private collections, yet most have never before been seen by the public. The book also includes seven "tips" essays. The hobby's leading experts offer advice on collecting and authenticating artifacts, and show how to build and organize an impressive 19th-century memorabilia or baseball card collection. This book is the perfect gift for any baseball fan, young or old, a baseball collectible in its own right.