Albert Goodwill Spalding ( born September 2 , 1850 in Byron , Illinois -- September 9 , 1915 in Point Loma , California ) was a professional baseball player , manager and co-founder of A.G. Spalding sporting goods company . Albert Goodwill Spalding ( Byron , Illinois September 2 , 1850 â `` September 9 , 1915 in Point Loma , San Diego , California ) was a professional baseball player , manager and co-founder of A.G. Spalding sporting goods company .