1948 Spalding Ad Celebrating 122 Years of Major League Baseball
The advertisement from the 1949 Sporting News Baseball Ball Guide highlights the legacy of Spalding baseballs in Major League Baseball. It emphasizes "122 Years of Major League Ball," celebrating both the Spalding and Reach balls. Spalding has been the official ball of the National League for 73 years, under the endorsement of Ford C. Frick, while Reach has served the American League for 49 years, endorsed by William Harridge. The advertisement refers to these as the “Twins of the Majors,” underscoring their exclusive use in professional baseball. The text conveys a sense of tradition and reliability, positioning Spalding and Reach as integral to the sport's history and highlights how every play, hit, and home run depends on these trusted baseballs.