Greatness in Waiting: An Illustrated History of the Early New York Yankees, 1903-1919

Before they acquired Babe Ruth or won a single championship, the New York Yankees (ne Highlanders) inspired the strongest of feelings in baseball circles. Stars such as Jack Chesbro, Hal Chase, and Brooklyner Willie Keeler had loud followers, and the team made loyal fans of those who disliked the crosstown Giants or Dodgers.

Even Ban Johnson prized the franchise, which gave his upstart American League a foothold in the nation's most populous city. Baltimoreans, on the other hand, nurtured a...