Al Reach (May 25, 1840 – January 14, 1928), born in London, England, was one of the early stars of baseball playing in the National Association. He played for that leagues' version of the Philadelphia Athletics helping them win the first professional baseball pennant in 1871.

Al was already in his 30s when the league began and so upon his retirement from playing in 1875, he helped found the Philadelphia Phillies franchise. Al served as team president of the club from 1883 to 1902. Later, similar to Al Spalding, Reach formed a sporting goods company and earned millions. In fact, he sold his company to Spalding in 1889.

Reach kept his interest in the Phillies franchise, selling out in 1903 to the owner of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

External links

• Al Reach career statistics at Baseball-Reference.com
• Al Reach bio at BaseballLibrary.com