Page "Albert Spalding" Paragraph 7

Spalding published the first official rules guide for baseball.

In it he stated that only Spalding balls could be used ( previously, the quality of the balls used had been subpar ).

Spalding also founded the Baseball Guide, which at the time was the most widely-read baseball publication.

Spalding retired from playing baseball in 1878, although he continued as a major force as owner of the White Stockings and major influence on the National League.

Spalding's. 796 career winning percentage ( from an era when teams played about once or twice a week ) is the highest ever achieved by a baseball pitcher.