1900s Western League Baseball

[trueamericanacollectibles]

Hello, I picked up a Western League Baseball and am trying to narrow down the date of this ball. It has a Rubber center. There are 3 different Fibers used, also the word 'fibres' is stamped on the side panel. American English language implemented Fibre to be spelled Fiber around 1910. It looks to be hand sewn. Made by Russell Sporting Goods in Omaha, Nebraska. Can anyone help me? It would be much appreciated

[thecatspajamas]

Post pics

[slidekellyslide]

Is there a Western League president's signature stamp on the ball? The only league balls that I've seen used by the Western League from 1947-58 were National League Spalding baseballs.

[khkco4bls]

There's one on eBay right now seller claims it's from 1900 10 there's no way that balls from the forties maybe even fifties.

[trueamericanacollectibles]

There is no president stamped on ball. It has a Rubber center. Cork centers became a standard in 1920.

[vintagesportscollector]

I don't think Russell sporting goods came into existence as a brand until the 1960s. If you post a picture we can possibly help you further.

[trueamericanacollectibles]

This Russell company is not the same as the Russell Athletics that originated in the 1970s

[jpop43]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1900-1920s-W...item51d8ed0412

just, wow.

[vintagesportscollector]

Originally Posted by jpop43

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1900-1920s-W...item51d8ed0412

just, wow.

Yes, that is the same ball the OP is asking about.

[slidekellyslide]

I doubt that was really the official ball of the Western League. Omaha had a WL team throughout the years and the Russell Sporting Goods store probably just stamped them like that to sell to local kids and teams. I've seen lots of "off brand" baseballs stamped with "Official _______ League" and I doubt many of them actually were used in league games.