Outstanding copy of the 1911 book "America's National Game" signed and inscribed by the author, 1939 Hall of Fame inductee A. J. Spalding. Spalding was one of the first pitching super stars of the game, first in the National Association, and then, in 1876 as a 42 game winner for the first Champions of the newly formed National League, the Chicago Cubs. He would later become owner of the Cubs and along with his brother develop one of the largest sporting goods companies in the world which is still in business today.
Inside front page inscribed in dark, 9/10 looking vintage black ink, "To Mr. James A. Tyng with my compliments A. G. Spalding New York Oct. 13th, 1911". Although James Tyng is generally considered to be the greatest Harvard ballplayer of the era, he is best remembered today as the first player to ever wear a catcher's mask. The mask was actually the invention of fellow teammate and team captain Fred Thayer, who noticed that Tyng had lost much of his enthusiasm for catching as a result of being hit by numerous foul tips. The mask was first worn by Tyng on April 11, 1877, in a match against the Live Oaks of Lynn, and the results of the experiment were obviously favorable as the mask became standard equipment for all catchers in a very short period of time.
Book itself in very good shape with mildly worn cover, a tight spine and all inside pages firmly intact. The book comes with a custom linen covered protective case. Incredible signed piece of baseball history linking two pioneers in the field of sports equipment. Full LOA from PSA/DNA.