"SURE HOPE YOU ENJOYED THIS RECOLLECTION OF SOME EXCITING AND HISTORICAL BASEBALL TIMES": FIRST EDITION OF IT TAKES HEART, INSCRIBED BY MEL ALLEN

ALLEN, Mel and GRAHAM Jr., Frank. It Takes Heart. New York: Harper & Brothers, (1959). Octavo, original half red cloth, original dust jacket. $550.

First edition, warmly inscribed by baseball announcer Mel Allen, "To L— W—, With best regards. Sure hope you enjoyed this recollection of some exciting and historical baseball times. Good luck. Mel Allen. 4/1/91."

The book recounts the most moving moments in the careers of several prominent sports figures and includes such events as Ben Hogan's victory in the U.S. Open, Walter Johnson's first and last World Series performance, Jim Braddock's triumph over Joe Louis, and Joe DiMaggio's post-injury game against the Red Sox, during which Mel Allen first used his signature phrase, "How about that!" Smith 11103, 12107, 12258, 14683, and 16003.

Book with a bit of edge-wear, dust jacket with mild wear to spine ends, light rubbing to rear panel, faint dampstain along front fold. A very good copy.