BIG LEAGUE BASEBALLS.com | MUSEUM OF BASEBALLS | AMERICAN LEAGUE | Pre-1909 Reach American League Baseball
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About the Ball: The earliest American League ball we've found pictured (at least the earliest suitable pic for this Museum's purposes). The ball predates the familiar "cushioned cork center" patented in 1909 and stamped on the lower panel of all AL balls thereafter. Note the word "Rubber" stamped below the size and weight figures instead.
Additionally the center league identification panel and top manufacturer's stamp appear to be the same as the 1909 balls, save for the common 1909 patent stamp in the center panel, which of course would only adorn cushion-cork center balls, for which that patent was awarded. Font and stamp size appear to be the same as the next season's ball. Also, no league president's stamp is used yet.
There was no exact year listed for this ball, except that it fell between 1901-1909. Since we have no additional reference, we're calling it pre-1909 for now.
FYI: Sold at auction for over $4,000. Anyone have a few they'd like to donate to BigLeagueBaseballs.com?
Additionally the center league identification panel and top manufacturer's stamp appear to be the same as the 1909 balls, save for the common 1909 patent stamp in the center panel, which of course would only adorn cushion-cork center balls, for which that patent was awarded. Font and stamp size appear to be the same as the next season's ball. Also, no league president's stamp is used yet.
There was no exact year listed for this ball, except that it fell between 1901-1909. Since we have no additional reference, we're calling it pre-1909 for now.
FYI: Sold at auction for over $4,000. Anyone have a few they'd like to donate to BigLeagueBaseballs.com?
