Buddy from Spalding (3)
I believe the answer is:
pal
'buddy' is the definition.
(both can mean a friend)
'from spalding' is the wordplay.
'from' indicates a hidden word.
'PAL' is hidden within 'spalding'.
(Other definitions for pal that I've seen before include "Close friend" , "Brother" , "China" , "Mate, buddy" , "Buddy, chum" .)