Al Spalding
MLB debut May 5, 1871 for the Boston Red Stockings Last MLB appearance August 31, 1878 for the Chicago White Stockings Career statistics Win–loss record 252–65 Earned run average 2.14 Strikeouts 248 Batting average .313 Hits 613 Runs batted in 338 Teams   National Association of Base Ball Players Rockford Forest Citys (1866–1870)   League Player Boston Red Stockings (1871–1875) Chicago White Stockings (1876–1878)   League Manager Chicago White Stockings (1876–1877) Career highlights and awards National Association pennant: 1872–1875 National League pennant: 1876 Member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame Induction 1939 Election Method Veteran's Committee Albert Goodwill Spalding (September 2, 1850 – September 9, 1915) was an American pitcher, manager and executive in the early years of professional baseball, and the co-founder of A.G. Spalding sporting goods company. He played major league baseball between 1871 and 1878. In 1877, he became the first well-known player to use a fielding glove; such gloves were among the items sold at his sporting goods store. After his retirement as a player, Spalding remained active with the Chicago White Stockings as president and part-owner. In the 1880s, he took players on the first world tour of baseball. With William Hulbert, Spalding organized the National League. He later called for the commission that investigated the origins of baseball and credited Abner Doubleday with creating the game. He also wrote the first set of official baseball rules.