Top Ten Things Not to Do at the First Use of a Catcher’s Mask in a Baseball Game in 1877

~ John W. Howell

 

Top Ten things not to do

This week marks the 143rd anniversary of the first use of a catcher’s mask in a baseball game. The game was between Harvard and The Live Oaks, a semi-pro team from Lynn, Massachusetts. James Alexander Tyng stepped on the field wearing a hand made version, and the rest is history. We must go to that game. Just to see the faces of the other players would be worth the price of admission (in this case it is free) Here is a list to take so we don’ do something to alter the course of history.

Top Ten Things Not to Do at the First Wearing of a Catcher’s Mask in a Baseball Game in 1877.

10 If you go, do not turn down an offer of the house-brewed beer. If you do, at best, your host will think you ill. At worst, your host will think you are a temperance agent. (In 1636, John Harvard established the College’s on-campus brewery, Liam. There is nothing that Harvard men won’t do to protect their beer. Better be careful. Here comes the football team.)

9 If you go, do not yell “Kill the Umpire,” if Tiny, the WWF champ, is behind the plate. If you do, at best, you’ll be hidden in the crowd. At worst, Tiny, who has skipped his last four anger management sessions, will see you and halt the game. (You can run, but you can’t hide, Lucas. Yes, like a zombie, Tiny is coming for you.  think what he has in mind is going to hurt.)

8 If you go, do not try singing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.” If you do, at best, everyone will think you are nuts. At worst, they’ll think you are nuts enough to require treatment. (You see, Levi, the song was not written until 1908 by lyricist Jack Norworth and composer Albert von Tilzer. Your attempt fell on very deaf and concerned ears. Oh, look. I haven’t seen a straight jacket like that in years.)

7 If you go, don’t ask to buy peanuts and Crackerjack. If you do, at best, no one will understand you. At worst, the people you ask will think you are from another planet. (Peanuts were first introduced to the ballpark in 1895. Crackerjack was invented in 1896. It appears like singing the song, Leo, your requests for peanuts, and crackerjack have folks concerned. I think it is time to say goodbye.)

6 If you go, do not get up and stretch after the first half of the seventh inning. If you do, at best, folks will think you odd. At worst, management will think you are having some kind of medical emergency and call the police. (The seventh-inning stretch did not become a thing until after President Howard Taft did it in 1910, Lawrence. He was cramped from sitting ad did a stretch. The whole stadium joined in, and the tradition was born. Right now, though, you are heading for the sanitorium if you don’t get moving.)

5 If you go, do not start yelling for the organist to play “charge.” If you do, at best, everyone will move away from you. At worst, you’ll be asked to leave the park. (Believe it or not, Lorenzo, the first organ music was played at Wrigley Field in 1941. The organist was Ray Nelson, who played classical music before the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs. Here comes the Chicago Police. not ones to be messed with today.)

4 If you go, do not show up in your Yale sweatshirt. If you do, at best you’ll have a jacket to cover up. At worst, one by one, the Harvard crowd will notice what you are wearing. (I think you have attracted enough attention, Lance. It looks like the whole stadium is about to end up in your lap. I think I would just take off the shirt and throw it to them and run.)

3 If you go, don’t order a hot dog. If you do, at best, folks will ignore you. At worst, the animal rights folks at the game will want you arrested. (The hot dog first made an appearance in 1901 at Yale University and then Harry M. Stevens brought them to sell at New York ball game in 1905. I would not fool with those animal rights folks. Tellem, you just wanted to eat a hot dog, Larry. Heh heh heh)

2 If you go, do not ask anyone what costume the team mascot wears. If you do, at best, the person will just shrug a shoulder. At worst, you will rais enough questions about your background to cause a major ruckus. (The reason is, Leonard, the first costumed mascot, was Mr. Met introduced at the new Shea Stadium in 1964. before that, there were no live consumed mascots. No wonder all those people are lighting torches and carrying pitchforks.)

1 If you go, do not ask for tickets for a luxury suite. If you do, at best the clerk won’t know what you are talking about. At worst, the clerk will think you are pulling a fast one and hit the panic alarm. (The first luxury suites were installed at Palace of the Fans park in Cincinnati in 1902, Larry. It’s no wonder the clerk misunderstood your request. Well, that is all academic since the police are almost here.)

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Published by John W. Howell

I have been working in business for over forty years and now have the time to work in special areas of interest. My passion has always been to create compelling stories of fiction. I have authored six novels and am working on my Seventh. The first novel is still in manuscript form and being utilized as a door stop in the laundry room. The second is a contemporary fiction novel of 89,000 words and is complete and I am currently seeking a publisher. I also write poetry but have not had the guts to share any with anyone. The one time I read a piece to a person their only comment was, “it doesn’t rhyme.” I will continue to write and hopefully my blog, Fiction Favorites at www.johnwhowell.com will provide some entertainment and an interesting thought or two. I live in the Austin area with my wife Molly and an assortment of loving pets.

65 thoughts on “Top Ten Things Not to Do at the First Use of a Catcher’s Mask in a Baseball Game in 1877”

  5. And for heaven’s sake, don’t ask if they can’t do something to speed up the game. I have a feeling that’s why the organ playing and luxury suites were invented — for the people who got dragged to the games by the real fans!

    Liked by 1 person

  7. I’m good with number 10, John – I’ve never turned down a beer. I am surprised about the first organ music. And, they decided to add an organ but not lights…hmmm. And, holy cow on the mascot thing.

    I just saw a show about snacks, so I knew Cracker Jack wasn’t around. I would not have wanted to be a catcher before the protective gear went through a could design iterations.

    Liked by 1 person

  10. I did not know #5, and Wrigley is practically in my backyard (well, a couple of hours north at least!). I guess it’s understandable, since 1941 was way before my time. The tough thing about watching baseball is enduring how SLOW it is!!

    Liked by 1 person

  11. Good one John. This date also coincides with the equally strange event – catchers started wearing their hats backward. Huh ? And with the period of perplexing consideration – should we let the darn umpire wear a mask too ? Insert double huh here! Some people just want to drain every drop of fun out of the game…

    Liked by 1 person

  13. I love how these lists are hidden history lessons. Had no idea the 7th inning stretch was born of a leg cramp!
    And yeah, no. No hotdogs, no ballgame… 😉
    Always a joy to read!

    Liked by 1 person

  15. I can’t imagine being a catcher before a mask. Even with all their protective gear now they still get hurt. Great list.

    Liked by 1 person

  17. The poor catcher probably got tired of all those spitballs. I think a fastball back then was in the 70s, but would still hurt. They have beer, so I don’t need anything else. No instant replay, no designated hitter, no social distancing. Sounds like a good afternoon to me.

    Liked by 1 person

  19. I didn’t weigh in yesterday when I first read this, because frankly I’m very emotionally depleted. 800 people died in New York yesterday.

    But I woke up thinking of catcher’s mitts. Made me go back to being a young girl, learning all about the Yankees. I remembered the late Thurman Munson, and my father explaining why he wore one over his face. An image of him, pulling it off, either in anger or cause the game was over, came to mind. Then my reverie went to, dogs in muzzles and Hannibal Lector…but where it finished which is probably where it subconsciously started, was with surgical masks.

    History, it emboldens as well as comforts, even at 4 o’clock in the morning.

    Susannah

    Liked by 1 person

    1. My heart goes out to you in having to deal with the daily reality of this curse. The idea of allowing your mind to take a moment of rest while thinking of other things is great to know. Of course, history brings us back to the present but hopefully the tour gave some relief no matter how brief. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

      Liked by 1 person

  20. After a very long day of work I read this post. This is so funny, and just what I needed. From Kill the Umpire and Tiny, to the hot dog heh-heh-heh, I laughed my head off! Thank you, John. Oh, and it doesn’t o unnoticed that your research is extensive.

    Liked by 1 person

  22. Speaking of catchers, which famous catcher said: “Always go to other people’s funerals, otherwise they won’t come to yours.”
    AND
    “No one goes there nowadays, it’s too crowded.”
    AND
    “You better cut the pizza in four pieces because I’m not hungry enough to eat six.”
    AND
    “Never answer an anonymous letter.”
    AND
    “Pair up in threes.”
    AND
    “I don’t know (if they were men or women fans running naked across the field). They had bags over their heads.”
    AND LASTLY:
    “The towels were so thick there I could hardly close my suitcase.”

    Liked by 1 person

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