Today's Happy Baseball Birthday is former big league pitcher, manager, and baseball pioneer, Albert Goodwill Spalding.
Albert Spalding was born 164 years ago today, September 2, 1850, in Byron, Illinois.
Spalding was the best pitcher in the old American Association, winning 52 games in 1884, and 54 in 1875, for the Boston Red Stockings.
Albert Spalding was the 1st big league pitcher to win 50 games, 100 games, 150 games, 200 games, and 250 big league games.
In 7 seasons Spalding compiled a 252-65 record, a .705 winning percentage...#1 All-Time for any big league pitcher.
As a hitter, Spaulding hit .313, and played first base and the outfield when not on the mound.
Spalding played his last big league game on August 31, 1878, at the age of 27.
Albert Spalding, while still playing baseball, opened up The Spalding Sporting Goods Company, with his brother, William.
Spalding was alao a big reason the NationaL League was formed in 1876, and Spalding basically ran the league into the 1900s.
In 1878 Spalding Sporting Goods became the official ball of the National League, with Spalding donating baseballs for every NL team, and paying each NL team $1.00 for every dozen Spalding baseball's used.
Also in 1878, the 1st Spalding Official Baseball Guide was published.
Henry Chadwick, the creator of the baseball box score, and noted baseball historical chronicler, edited the Spalding Guide.
Spalding paid the Senior Circuit a fee to publish his baseball guide,
In 1882, at the age of 31, Albert Spalding became sole owner of the Chicago White Stockings, when owner William Hubert passed away.
Albert Goodwill Spalding passed away on September 9, 1915, at the age of 65, in San Diego, California.
In 1939, Spalding was elected by the Veteran's Committee, into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York.
Happy Baseball Birthday to A.G. Spalding!
PLAY BALL!!
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