Check out Zack Hample's book "The Baseball" which contains a nice timeline of the evolution of the production methods used for the balls, how they were used in game play, how many teams ordered, etc. LOTS of good info about the balls themselves, and a very interesting read (not to mention relatively inexpensive, especially if you pick up a used copy). Mine is currently housed in the bathroom, I mean, my other office, but there are plenty to be had on Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Baseball-S...3844207&sr=1-2