Transcriber's Note:

The cover image was created by the transcriber and is placed in the public domain.

A. G. Spalding & Bros.

MAINTAIN THEIR OWN HOUSES FOR DISTRIBUTING THE

Spalding

COMPLETE LINE OF

Athletic Goods

IN THE FOLLOWING CITIES

NEW YORK

Downtown-

124–128 Nassau St.

Uptown-

29–33 West 42d St.

NEWARK, N. J.

845 Broad Street

BOSTON, MASS.

141 Federal Street

CHICAGO

147–149 Wabash Ave.

ST. LOUIS, MO.

415 North Seventh St.

KANSAS CITY, MO.

1120 Grand Ave.

DENVER, COL.

1616 Arapahoe St.

SAN FRANCISCO

156–158 Geary St.

SEATTLE, WASH.

711 Second Ave.

LOS ANGELES, CAL.

435 South Spring St.

BUFFALO, N. Y.

611 Main Street

SYRACUSE, N. Y.

University Block

PITTSBURG, PA.

439 Wood Street

CINCINNATI, O.

119 East Fifth St.

CLEVELAND, O.

741 Euclid Ave.

COLUMBUS, O.

191 South High St.

MILWAUKEE, WIS.

379 East Water St.

MINNEAPOLIS, MINN.

44 Seventh St., South

ST. PAUL, MINN.

386 Minnesota St.

PHILADELPHIA, PA.

1210 Chestnut Street

BALTIMORE, MD.

208 East Baltimore St.

WASHINGTON, D. C.

709 14th St., N.W.

DETROIT, MICH.

254 Woodward Ave.

LOUISVILLE, KY.

328 West Jefferson St.

INDIANAPOLIS, IND.

211 Massachusetts Ave.

ATLANTA, GA.

74 N. Broad Street

NEW ORLEANS, LA.

140 Carondelet St.

DALLAS, TEX.

355 Commerce St.

LONDON, ENG.

Three Stores

317–318,

High Holborn, W. C.

78, Cheapside

West End Branch

29, Haymarket, S.W.

BIRMINGHAM, ENG.

57, New Street

MANCHESTER, ENG.

4, Oxford St. and

1, Lower Moseley St.

EDINBURGH, SCOT.

3 South Charlotte St.

(Cor. Princes St.)

MONTREAL, P. Q.

443 St. James St.

TORONTO, ONT.

189 Yonge St.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA

228 Clarence St.

Communications directed to A. G. SPALDING & BROS., at any of the above addresses, will receive prompt attention.

THE SPALDING TRADE MARK IS REGISTERED IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE, ALSO IN 27 FOREIGN COUNTRIES. INFRINGERS ARE WARNED.

THE SPALDING TRADE-MARK IS THE FOUNDATION OF THE SPALDING BUSINESS

Spalding’s Athletic Library

A. G. Spalding

Anticipating the present tendency of the American people toward a healthful method of living and enjoyment, Spalding’s Athletic Library was established in 1892 for the purpose of encouraging athletics in every form, not only by publishing the official rules and records pertaining to the various pastimes, but also by instructing, until to-day Spalding’s Athletic Library is unique in its own particular field and has been conceded the greatest educational series on athletic and physical training subjects that has ever been compiled.

The publication of a distinct series of books devoted to athletic sports and pastimes and designed to occupy the premier place in America in its class was an early idea of Mr. A. G. Spalding, who was one of the first in America to publish a handbook devoted to athletic sports, Spalding’s Official Base Ball Guide being the initial number, which was followed at intervals with other handbooks on the sports prominent in the ’70s.

Spalding’s Athletic Library has had the advice and counsel of Mr. A. G. Spalding in all of its undertakings, and particularly in all books devoted to the national game. This applies especially to Spalding’s Official Base Ball Guide and Spalding’s Official Base Ball Record, both of which receive the personal attention of Mr. A. G. Spalding, owing to his early connection with the game as the leading pitcher of the champion Boston and Chicago teams of 1872–76. His interest does not stop, however, with matters pertaining to base ball; there is not a sport that Mr. Spalding does not make it his business to become familiar with, and that the Library will always maintain its premier place, with Mr. Spalding’s able counsel at hand, goes without saying.

The entire series since the issue of the first number has been under the direct personal supervision of Mr. James E. Sullivan, President of the American Sports Publishing Company, and the total series of consecutive numbers reach an aggregate of considerably over three hundred, included in which are many “annuals,” that really constitute the history of their particular sport in America year by year, back copies of which are even now eagerly sought for, constituting as they do the really first authentic records of events and official rules that have ever been consecutively compiled.

When Spalding’s Athletic Library was founded, seventeen years ago, track and field athletics were practically unknown outside the larger colleges and a few athletic clubs in the leading cities, which gave occasional meets, when an entry list of 250 competitors was a subject of comment; golf was known only by a comparatively few persons; lawn tennis had some vogue and base ball was practically the only established field sport, and that in a professional way; basket ball had just been invented; athletics for the schoolboy—and schoolgirl—were almost unknown, and an advocate of class contests in athletics in the schools could not get a hearing. To-day we find the greatest body of athletes in the world is the Public Schools Athletic League of Greater New York, which has had an entry list at its annual games of over two thousand, and in whose “elementary series” in base ball last year 106 schools competed for the trophy emblematic of the championship.

While Spalding’s Athletic Library cannot claim that the rapid growth of athletics in this country is due to it solely, the fact cannot be denied that the books have had a great deal to do with its encouragement, by printing the official rules and instructions for playing the various games at a nominal price, within the reach of everyone, with the sole object that its series might be complete and the one place where a person could look with absolute certainty for the particular book in which he might be interested.

In selecting the editors and writers for the various books, the leading authority in his particular line has been obtained, with the result that no collection of books on athletic subjects can compare with Spalding’s Athletic Library for the prominence of the various authors and their ability to present their subjects in a thorough and practical manner.

A short sketch of a few of those who have edited some of the leading numbers of Spalding’s Athletic Library is given herewith:

JAMES E. SULLIVAN

President American Sports Publishing Company; entered the publishing house of Frank Leslie in 1878, and has been connected continuously with the publishing business since then and also as athletic editor of various New York papers; was a competing athlete; one of the organizers of the Amateur Athletic Union of the United States; has been actively on its board of governors since its organization until the present time, and President for two successive terms; has attended every championship meeting in America since 1879 and has officiated in some capacity in connection with American amateur championship track and field games for nearly twenty-five years; assistant American director Olympic Games, Paris, 1900; director Pan-American Exposition athletic department, 1901; chief department physical culture Louisiana Purchase Exposition, St. Louis, 1904; secretary American Committee Olympic Games, at Athens, 1906; honorary director of Athletics at Jamestown Exposition, 1907; secretary American Committee Olympic Games, at London, 1908; member of the Pastime A. C., New York; honorary member Missouri A. C., St. Louis; honorary member Olympic A. C., San Francisco; ex-president Pastime A. C., New Jersey A. C., Knickerbocker A. C.; president Metropolitan Association of the A. A. U. for fifteen years; president Outdoor Recreation League; with Dr. Luther H. Gulick organized the Public Schools Athletic League of New York, and is now chairman of its games committee and member executive committee; was a pioneer in playground work and one of the organizers of the Outdoor Recreation League of New York; appointed by President Roosevelt as special commissioner to the Olympic Games at Athens, 1906, and decorated by King George I. of the Hellenes (Greece) for his services in connection with the Olympic Games; appointed special commissioner by President Roosevelt to the Olympic Games at London, 1908; appointed by Mayor McClellan, 1908, as member of the Board of Education of Greater New York.

WALTER CAMP

For quarter of a century Mr. Walter Camp of Yale has occupied a leading position in college athletics. It is immaterial what organization is suggested for college athletics, or for the betterment of conditions, insofar as college athletics is concerned, Mr. Camp has always played an important part in its conferences, and the great interest in and high plane of college sport to-day, are undoubtedly due more to Mr. Camp than to any other individual. Mr. Camp has probably written more on college athletics than any other writer and the leading papers and magazines of America are always anxious to secure his expert opinion on foot ball, track and field athletics, base ball and rowing. Mr. Camp has grown up with Yale athletics and is a part of Yale’s remarkable athletic system. While he has been designated as the “Father of Foot Ball,” it is a well-known fact that during his college career Mr. Camp was regarded as one of the best players that ever represented Yale on the base ball field, so when we hear of Walter Camp as a foot ball expert we must also remember his remarkable knowledge of the game of base ball, of which he is a great admirer. Mr. Camp has edited Spalding’s Official Foot Ball Guide since it was first published, and also the Spalding Athletic Library book on How to Play Foot Ball. There is certainly no man in American college life better qualified to write for Spalding’s Athletic Library than Mr. Camp.

DR. LUTHER HALSEY GULICK

The leading exponent of physical training in America; one who has worked hard to impress the value of physical training in the schools; when physical training was combined with education at the St. Louis Exposition in 1904 Dr. Gulick played an important part in that congress; he received several awards for his good work and had many honors conferred upon him; he is the author of a great many books on the subject; it was Dr. Gulick, who, acting on the suggestion of James E. Sullivan, organized the Public Schools Athletic League of Greater New York, and was its first Secretary; Dr. Gulick was also for several years Director of Physical Training in the public schools of Greater New York, resigning the position to assume the Presidency of the Playground Association of America. Dr. Gulick is an authority on all subjects pertaining to physical training and the study of the child.

JOHN B. FOSTER

Successor to the late Henry Chadwick (“Father of Base Ball”) as editor of Spalding’s Official Base Ball Guide; sporting editor of the New York Evening Telegram; has been in the newspaper business for many years and is recognized throughout America as a leading writer on the national game; a staunch supporter of organized base ball, his pen has always been used for the betterment of the game.

TIM MURNANE

Base Ball editor of the Boston Globe and President of the New England League of Base Ball Clubs; one of the best known base ball men of the country; known from coast to coast; is a keen follower of the game and prominent in all its councils; nearly half a century ago was one of America’s foremost players; knows the game thoroughly and writes from the point of view both of player and an official.

HARRY PHILIP BURCHELL

Sporting editor of the New York Times; graduate of the University of Pennsylvania; editor of Spalding’s Official Lawn Tennis Annual; is an authority on the game; follows the movements of the players minutely and understands not only tennis but all other subjects that can be classed as athletics; no one is better qualified to edit this book than Mr. Burchell.

GEORGE T. HEPBRON

Former Young Men’s Christian Association director; for many years an official of the Athletic League of Young Men’s Christian Associations of North America; was connected with Dr. Luther H. Gulick in Young Men’s Christian Association work for over twelve years; became identified with basket ball when it was in its infancy and has followed it since, being recognized as the leading exponent of the official rules; succeeded Dr. Gulick as editor of the Official Basket Ball Guide and also editor of the Spalding Athletic Library book on How to Play Basket Ball.

JAMES S. MITCHEL

Former champion weight thrower; holder of numerous records, and is the winner of more championships than any other individual in the history of sport; Mr. Mitchel is a close student of athletics and well qualified to write upon any topic connected with athletic sport; has been for years on the staff of the New York Sun.

MICHAEL C. MURPHY

The world’s most famous athletic trainer; the champion athletes that he has developed for track and field sports, foot ball and base ball fields, would run into thousands; he became famous when at Yale University and has been particularly successful in developing what might be termed championship teams; his rare good judgment has placed him in an enviable position in the athletic world; now with the University of Pennsylvania; during his career has trained only at two colleges and one athletic club, Yale and the University of Pennsylvania, and Detroit Athletic Club; his most recent triumph was that of training the famous American team of athletes that swept the field at the Olympic Games of 1908 at London.

DR. C. WARD CRAMPTON

Succeeded Dr. Gulick as director of physical training in the schools of Greater New York: as secretary of the Public Schools Athletic League is at the head of the most remarkable organization of its kind in the world; is a practical athlete and gymnast himself, and has been for years connected with the physical training system in the schools of Greater New York, having had charge of the High School of Commerce.

DR. GEORGE J. FISHER

Has been connected with Y. M. C. A. work for many years as physical director at Cincinnati and Brooklyn, where he made such a high reputation as organizer that he was chosen to succeed Dr. Luther H. Gulick as Secretary of the Athletic League of Y. M. C. A.’s of North America, when the latter resigned to take charge of the physical training in the Public Schools of Greater New York.

DR. GEORGE ORTON

On athletics, college athletics, particularly track and field, foot ball, soccer foot ball, and training of the youth, it would be hard to find one better qualified than Dr. Orton; has had the necessary athletic experience and the ability to impart that experience intelligently to the youth of the land; for years was the American, British and Canadian champion runner.

FREDERICK R. TOOMBS

A well-known authority on skating, rowing, boxing, racquets, and other athletic sports; was sporting editor of American Press Association, New York; dramatic editor; is a lawyer and has served several terms as a member of Assembly of the Legislature of the State of New York; has written several novels and historical works.

R. L. WELCH

A resident of Chicago; the popularity of indoor base ball is chiefly due to his efforts; a player himself of no mean ability; a first-class organizer; he has followed the game of indoor base ball from its inception.

DR. HENRY S. ANDERSON

Has been connected with Yale University for years and is a recognized authority on gymnastics; is admitted to be one of the leading authorities in America on gymnastic subjects; is the author of many books on physical training.

CHARLES M. DANIELS

Just the man to write an authoritative book on swimming; the fastest swimmer the world has ever known; member New York Athletic Club swimming team and an Olympic champion at Athens in 1906 and London, 1908. In his book on Swimming, Champion Daniels describes just the methods one must use to become an expert swimmer.

GUSTAVE BOJUS

Mr. Bojus is most thoroughly qualified to write intelligently on all subjects pertaining to gymnastics and athletics; in his day one of America’s most famous amateur athletes; has competed successfully in gymnastics and many other sports for the New York Turn Verein; for twenty years he has been prominent in teaching gymnastics and athletics; was responsible for the famous gymnastic championship teams of Columbia University; now with the Jersey City high schools.

CHARLES JACOBUS

Admitted to be the “Father of Roque;” one of America’s most expert players, winning the Olympic Championship at St. Louis in 1904; an ardent supporter of the game and follows it minutely, and much of the success of roque is due to his untiring efforts; certainly there is no one better qualified to write on this subject than Mr. Jacobus.

DR. E. B. WARMAN

Well known as a physical training expert; was probably one of the first to enter the field and is the author of many books on the subject; lectures extensively each year all over the country.

W. J. CROMIE

Now with the University of Pennsylvania; was formerly a Y. M. C. A. physical director; a keen student of all gymnastic matters; the author of many books on subjects pertaining to physical training.

G. M. MARTIN

By profession a physical director of the Young Men’s Christian Association; a close student of all things gymnastic, and games for the classes in the gymnasium or clubs.

PROF. SENAC

A leader in the fencing world; has maintained a fencing school in New York for years and developed a great many champions; understands the science of fencing thoroughly and the benefits to be derived therefrom.

SPALDING ATHLETIC LIBRARY

Giving the Titles of all Spalding Athletic Library Books now in print, grouped for ready reference

ANY OF THE ABOVE BOOKS MAILED POSTPAID UPON RECEIPT OF 10 CENTS

No. 1—Spalding’s Official Base Ball Guide.

The leading Base Ball annual of the country, and the official authority of the game. Contains the official playing rules, with an explanatory index of the rules compiled by Mr. A. G. Spalding; pictures of all the teams in the National, American and minor leagues; reviews of the season; college Base Ball, and a great deal of interesting information. Price 10 cents.

No. 1A—Spalding’s Official Base Ball Record.

Something new in Base Ball. Contains records of all kinds from the beginning of the National League and official averages of all professional organizations for past season. Illustrated with pictures of leading teams and players. Price 10 cents.

No. 202—How to Play Base Ball.

Edited by Tim Murnane. New and revised edition. Illustrated with pictures showing how all the various curves and drops are thrown and portraits of leading players. Price 10 cents.

No. 223—How to Bat.

There is no better way of becoming a proficient batter than by reading this book and practising the directions. Numerous illustrations. Price 10 cents.

No. 232—How to Run the Bases.

This book gives clear and concise directions for excelling as a base runner; tells when to run and when not to do so; how and when to slide; team work on the bases; in fact, every point of the game is thoroughly explained. Illustrated. Price 10 cents.

No. 230—How to Pitch.

A new, up-to-date book. Its contents are the practical teaching of men who have reached the top as pitchers, and who know how to impart a knowledge of their art. All the big leagues’ pitchers are shown. Price 10 cents.

No. 229—How to Catch.

Every boy who has hopes of being a clever catcher should read how well-known players cover their position. Pictures of all the noted catchers in the big leagues. Price 10 cents.

No. 225—How to Play First Base.

Illustrated with pictures of all the prominent first basemen. Price 10 cents.

No. 226—How to Play Second Base.

The ideas of the best second basemen have been incorporated in this book for the especial benefit of boys who want to know the fine points of play at this point of the diamond. Price 10 cents.

No. 227—How to Play Third Base.

Third base is, in some respects, the most important of the infield. All the points explained. Price 10 cents.

No. 228—How to Play Shortstop.

Shortstop is one of the hardest positions on the infield to fill, and quick thought and quick action are necessary for a player who expects to make good as a shortstop. Illus. Price 10 cents.

No. 224—How to Play the Outfield.

An invaluable guide for the outfielder. Price 10 cents.

No. 231—How to Coach; How to Captain a Team; How to Manage a Team; How to Umpire; How to Organize a League; Technical Terms of Base Ball.

A useful guide. Price 10 cents.

No. 219—Ready Reckoner of Base Ball Percentages.

To supply a demand for a book which would show the percentage of clubs without recourse to the arduous work of figuring, the publishers had these tables compiled by an expert. Price 10 cents.

BASE BALL AUXILIARIES.

No. 336—Minor League Base Ball Guide.

The minors’ own guide. Edited by President T. H. Murnane, of the New England League. Price 10 cents.

No. 338—Official Handbook of the National League of Professional Base Ball Clubs.

Contains the Constitution, By-Laws, Official Rules, Averages, and schedule of the National League for the current year, together with list of club officers and reports of the annual meetings of the League. Price 10 cents.

No. 340—Official Handbook National Playground Ball Association.

This game is specially adapted for playgrounds, parks, etc., and is spreading rapidly. The book contains a description of the game, rules and list of officers. Price 10 cents.

No. 2—Spalding’s Official Foot Ball Guide.

Edited by Walter Camp. Contains the new rules, with diagram of field; All-America teams as selected by the leading authorities; reviews of the game from various sections of the country; scores; pictures. Price 10 cents.

No. 334—Code of the Foot Ball Rules.

This book is meant for the use of officials, to help them to refresh their memories before a game and to afford them a quick means of ascertaining a point during a game. It also gives a ready means of finding a rule in the Official Rule Book, and is of great help to a player in studying the Rules. Compiled by C. W. Short, Harvard, 1908. Price 10 cents.

No. 324—How to Play Foot Ball.

Edited by Walter Camp, of Yale. Everything that a beginner wants to know and many points that an expert will be glad to learn. Snapshots of leading teams and players in action, with comments by Walter Camp. Price 10 cents.

No. 2A—Spalding’s Official Association Soccer Foot Ball Guide.

A complete and up-to-date guide to the “Soccer” game in the United States, containing instructions for playing the game, official rules, and interesting news from all parts of the country. Illustrated. Price 10 cents.

No. 286—How to Play Soccer.

How each position should be played, written by the best player in England in his respective position, and illustrated with full-page photographs of players in action. Price 10 cents.

FOOT BALL AUXILIARIES.

No. 332—Spalding’s Official Canadian Foot Ball Guide.

The official book of the game in Canada. Price 10 cents.

No. 335—Spalding’s Official Rugby Foot Ball Guide.

Contains the official rules under which the game is played in England and by the California schools and colleges. Also instructions for playing the various positions on a team. Illustrated with action pictures of leading teams and players. Price 10 cents.

No. 3—Spalding’s Official Cricket Guide.

The most complete year book of the game that has ever been published in America. Reports of special matches, official rules and pictures of all the leading teams. Price 10 cents.

No. 277—Cricket; and How to Play it.

By Prince Ranjitsinhji. The game described concisely and illustrated with full-page pictures posed especially for this book. Price 10 cents.

No. 4—Spalding’s Official Lawn Tennis Annual.

Contents include reports of all important tournaments; official ranking from 1885 to date; laws of lawn tennis; instructions for handicapping; decisions on doubtful points; management of tournaments; directory of clubs; laying out and keeping a court. Illustrated. Price 10 cents.

No. 157—How to Play Lawn Tennis.

A complete description of lawn tennis; a lesson for beginners and directions telling how to make the most important strokes. Illustrated. Price 10 cents.

No. 279—Strokes and Science of Lawn Tennis.

By P. A. Vaile, a leading authority on the game in Great Britain. Every stroke in the game is accurately illustrated and analyzed by the author. Price 10 cents.

No. 5—Spalding’s Official Golf Guide.

Contains records of all important tournaments, articles on the game in various sections of the country, pictures of prominent players, official playing rules and general items of interest. Price 10 cents.

No. 276—How to Play Golf.

By James Braid and Harry Vardon, the world’s two greatest players tell how they play the game, with numerous full-page pictures of them taken on the links. Price 10 cents.

No. 6—Spalding’s Official Ice Hockey Guide.

The official year book of the game. Contains the official rules, pictures of leading teams and players, records, review of the season, reports from different sections of the United States and Canada. Price 10 cents.

No. 304—How to Play Ice Hockey.

Contains a description of the duties of each player. Illustrated. Price 10 cents.

No. 154—Field Hockey.

Prominent in the sports at Vassar, Smith, Wellesley, Bryn Mawr and other leading colleges. Price 10 cents.

No. 188—Lawn Hockey, Parlor Hockey, Garden Hockey.

Containing the rules for each game. Illustrated. Price 10 cents.

No. 180—Ring Hockey.

A new game for the gymnasium. Exciting as basket ball. Price 10 cents.

HOCKEY AUXILIARY.

No. 256—Official Handbook of the Ontario Hockey Association.

Contains the official rules of the Association, constitution, rules of competition, list of officers, and pictures of leading players. Price 10 cents.

No. 7—Spalding’s Official Basket Ball Guide.

Edited by George T. Hepbron. Contains the revised official rules, decisions on disputed points, records of prominent teams, reports on the game from various parts of the country. Illustrated. Price 10 cents.

No. 7A—Spalding’s Official Women’s Basket Ball Guide.

Edited by Miss Senda Berenson, of Smith College. Contains the official playing rules and special articles on the game by prominent authorities. Illustrated. Price 10 cents.

No. 193—How to Play Basket Ball.

By G. T. Hepbron, editor of the Official Basket Ball Guide. Illustrated with scenes of action. Price 10 cents.

BASKET BALL AUXILIARY.

No. 323—Collegiate Basket Ball Handbook.

The official publication of the Collegiate Basket Ball Association. Contains the official rules, records, All-America selections, reviews, and pictures. Edited by H. A. Fisher, of Columbia. Price 10 cents.

No. 8—Spalding’s Official Lacrosse Guide.

Contains the constitution, by-laws, playing rules, list of officers and records of the U. S. Inter-Collegiate Lacrosse League. Price 10 cents.

No. 201—How to Play Lacrosse.

Every position is thoroughly explained in a most simple and concise manner, rendering it the best manual of the game ever published. Illustrated with numerous snapshots of important plays. Price 10 cents.

No. 9—Spalding’s Official Indoor Base Ball Guide.

America’s national game is now vying with other indoor games as a winter pastime. This book contains the playing rules, pictures of leading teams, and interesting articles on the game by leading authorities on the subject. Price 10 cents.

No. 10—Spalding’s Official Roller Polo Guide.

Edited by J. C. Morse. A full description of the game; official rules; records; pictures of prominent players. Price 10 cents.

No. 129—Water Polo.

The contents of this book treat of every detail, the individual work of the players, the practice of the team, how to throw the ball, with illustrations and many valuable hints. Price 10 cents.

No. 199—Equestrian Polo.

Compiled by H. L. Fitzpatrick of the New York Sun. Illustrated with portraits of leading players, and contains most useful information for polo players. Price 10 cents.

No. 271—Spalding’s Official Roque Guide.

The official publication of the National Roque Association of America. Contains a description of the courts and their construction, diagrams, illustrations, rules and valuable information. Price 10 cents.

No. 138—Spalding’s Official Croquet Guide.

Contains directions for playing, diagrams of important strokes, description of grounds, instructions for the beginner, terms used in the game, and the official playing rules. Price 10 cents.

No. 341—How to Bowl.

The contents include: diagrams of effective deliveries; hints to beginners; how to score; official rules; spares, how they are made; rules for cocked hat, quintet, cocked hat and feather, battle game, etc. Price 10 cents.

No. 248—Archery.