Before the Knickerbockers -- The Knickerbockers' game becomes the New York game -- The New York game becomes America's game -- How the game was played -- Bats, balls, bases, and the playing field -- Customs and rituals -- Club life : the common threads that bound the players together, and the activities they shared -- Intercity competition and civic pride -- The Civil War : the end of an era, part one -- Competitiveness and professionalism, and what they wrought : the end of an era, part two -- The Cincinnati Base Ball Club and the Red Stockings -- Looking backward -- Moving forward : "muffin" ballplayers start a new tradition -- Appendix one. The Doubleday myth -- Appendix two. The Knickerbockers' original (1845) rules.
