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The Spalding No. 159 Yogi Berra All
Star baseballs were listed in the
Spalding catalog from 1958-1961. Spalding's
trademark "S" Logo which is
featured on this ball was
used from 1958 to at least 1969. The "Horsehide
Cover" baseballs made in 1958 and 1959 read;
"Cork and Rubber Center" on the specs
panel, while the 1960 and 1961
baseballs read "Lively Rubber Center."
In 1961 Spalding started to use new
catalog designations. The prefix number
"41-" followed by a 3 digit number. In
the catalogs that followed for the next
year or two, Spalding also listed the
old catalog designation, a three digit
number in parenthesis, next to the new
model number. This ball was listed in
1961 as "41-137 (159)"
The model designation No. 159 was changed to 41-137 but "159" remained
stamped on the ball, and the box reads
"No. 159, 41-137." The 1961 baseball
also features the "*Official* A.G.
Spalding & Bros Edwin Parker Pres."
Stamp. Edwin L. Parker was president of
A.G. Spalding and Brothers, Inc., of
Chicopee, Massachusetts, since 1956.
From 1960-1968, because of President Dwight D. Eisenhower's interest in
golf, Parker often provided Eisenhower
with golf clubs and golf balls for
Eisenhower’s personal use. In February
1968, while using a golf ball
manufactured by Spalding, Eisenhower
hit a hole-in-one at the El Dorado
Country Club in Palm Desert,
California. Eisenhower’s staff later
sent the ball to Parker as a souvenir.
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