The name "Spalding" has remained among the most respected in the history of the sporting goods industry for generations. In fact, founder A.G. Spalding parlayed a baseball playing career as an outstanding pitcher during the 1870s into a Chicago sporting goods store, which became widely recognized as the first chain manufacturer of equipment and books for both professionals and recreational athletes alike. Cut from an official Spalding document, this 8.5x3" slip has a beautiful signature in blue fountain ink grading 9/10; slight foxing around the edges of the page and general minor discoloration from age. For his contributions both on and off the field, A.G. Spalding was inducted into the Hall of Fame by the Veterans' Committee in 1939.