The Jack Reacher of the 1930s?

 Robert [no middle name] Prowse.

You can see, in this picture, that he is wearing shin pads and socks. 

The ball is a normal size leather ball.
Remember that its holder is only ten years old.

It was many years later that 
Peter [middle name] McDonald
ventured out on his bike.

And even years later that Robert Maurice Prowse started dressing up.

And even years later that Peter [middle name] McDonald got his sock-boots.