About Spalding

A Storied History

Since 1876, we have been true to the game. We ignite the inner confidence that lives in athletes of all levels, across the globe, and enable them to play their best game. We protect the integrity of sport because of our passion for the will behind the work. Our heritage of quality products is what makes us stand out and you excel. Explore our journey to discover why we are an icon in sports and innovation.

1871

Albert Goodwill Spalding began his professional baseball career pitching for the Boston Red Stockings. He dominated the sport, leading the league in wins every year during his career. He pitched every game with a baseball he developed himself.

1876

The First Baseball

The first A.G. Spalding & Brothers sporting goods store opened in Chicago. That same year, Spalding developed the first Major League Baseball to become the official baseball of the National League (1876-1976) and American League (1889-1973).

1877

The First Baseball Glove

Spalding created the world’s first baseball glove, marking the transition from bare hands to protective wear. A.G. Spalding’s reputation in the baseball industry made the once unthinkable “sissy” glove become OK to wear.

1878

Spalding publishes the first “Official Rules Guide for Baseball.”

1882

A.G Spalding retired to become the president of the Chicago White Stockings. Like a true businessman, he started a world baseball tour traveling with the best baseball players around the world to simultaneously promote baseball and his sporting goods company on a global scale.

1887

The First Football

Spalding created the first American football with a perfect in material and workmanship guarantee.

1894

The First Basketball

Dr. James Naismith, the creator of basketball, asked A.G. Spalding to develop the world’s first basketball. The official rules of the game later read, “The ball made by A.G. Spalding & Bros. shall be the official ball.

1894

The First Basketball

1895

The First Volleyball

Spalding developed and manufactured the first American volleyball.

1900

Baseball Bats

Spalding became the largest manufacturer of baseball bats in the U.S., producing over 1 million bats a year.

1930

Spalding developed the first liquid center golf ball, the Kros-Flite. This new construction was a major technological advancement in golf balls.

1968

Spalding developed the first 2-piece performance golf ball, the Spalding Executive. It became the most consistent and durable golf ball ever made.

1983

Spalding Basketball is selected as the Official Ball of the National Basketball Association (NBA).

1992

First composite leather basketball is created.

1997

Official basketball of the WNBA

2001

After 20 months of testing, Spalding introduces first basketball with built-in Micro Pump.

2002

Official soccer ball of the Major Indoor Soccer League

2003

Official basketball of the Rucker League Official basketball of the Big Ten tournaments

2004

Spalding becomes the official ball of the Arena Football League (AFL) and the official ball of the King of the Beach Volleyball Tournament

2005

Official partner of the Hoop Hall Classic

2006

The Spalding NEVERFLAT basketball is developed with Pressure Retention Technologies guaranteed to stay fully inflated for at least one year.

2008

First gear specialized just for Youth—Rookie Gear is introduced

2009

Official Backboard

Selected as the Official Backboard of the NBA and NCAA Final Four Tournament, and the Official Basketball of the ACC Tournament

2012

Euroleague

Selected as the Official Basketball & Backboard of the Euroleague

ABOUT US

A Storied History

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