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Baseball Trivia (General)/First MLB Use of Catcher's Mitt and Mask

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Expert: - 5/28/2009


Question
When was catcher's equipment first used in the major leagues - glove and mask?

Answer
Hi Cathy,

There is a marvelous book that gives the answer to all these kinds of questions: Peter Morris, A Game of Inches.

It's a long and tangled story with the catcher's mitt. There are conflicting claims, but apparently something we would recognize as a padded mitt for catchers was first used in the major leagues in 1888 by Buck Ewing. After that their use was widespread.

The mask story is just as complicated. But the first guy in the majors to wear one did so in July, 1877. His name was Pete Hotaling.

Baseball Trivia (General)

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Tom Schott

Expertise

I will deal with the major leagues only from 19th century to present. I`m good on baseball history, records, statistics, ballparks. I don't do off-the-field stuff. Please if you already know the answer to the question, please don't ask it. I don't want to play "stump the expert."

Experience

I've written on the subject, and I have substantial library of resources.

Organizations
SABR

Publications
Numerous encyclopedia, newspaper, magazine articles. One book, several book chapters.

Education/Credentials
Ph.D. in American history.

Awards and Honors
Bevy of writing awards.

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