CATCHER'S MASK
Dimensions13.7 x 18.5 x 27.5 cm
Object numberHF.2016.31.8
DescriptionBaseball catcher's mask consisting of connected and crossing metal rods. At the top (in the area of the temples) two leather pads are attached to the metal with string another leather pad is attached in the cheek area. Two layers of leather are also attached to the bottom of the mask where the chin would sit. A wide elastic strap is attached to both sides of the frame and pass around the back of the head. There is a metal buckle on one side of the elastic. Narrative
Known as the "spider-style" catcher's mask, it is one of the earliest examples of protective masks worn by baseball players. The origins of catchers' masks date to the 1870s when Deacon White, a Boston player, saw a Harvard player using the first catcher's mask. White designed his own version with a local blacksmith and his acceptance of the mask helped to popularize it for other teams. In fact, the mask was so useful that another teammate of White asked if he could produce a few to sell. White had no issue with this and his teammate, Al Spalding, launched his sporting goods empire with this catcher's mask.
