You probably already know that a baseball catcher's mask is a vital piece of safety equipment. You might not know that there was a time in history when a catcher's safety was compromised because he did not wear a mask. Controversy surrounds the late-19th century invention of the catcher's mask, and to this day some questions remain unanswered.
Idea
After the 1876 season, Harvard catcher Howard Thatcher left the university and manager Frederick Thayer appointed James Tyng to fill the position because of his natural athleticism. After getting hit in the face one too many times by foul tips, Tyng inquired if something could be done to protect his face. Thayer recalled that in the previous season, an opposing catcher had once worn a fencing mask with holes cut out for his eyes. With that in mind, Thayer had a Cambridge tinsmith make a wire-mesh mask with chin and forehead rests for cushioning and large holes that would not hinder vision, according to "Harvard Magazine."
Debut
After practicing with the mask during winter, Tyng wore it for games the following season. It seemed to increase his confidence, as he made only two errors in the April 12, 1877, debut game -- far fewer than usual. Public reaction to the new mask was mixed. Some acknowledged both the safety and performance benefits of the mask, others said it made a mockery of the game. Still, the catcher's mask gradually gained popularity.
Controversy
Thayer received a patent for the catcher's mask on Feb. 12, 1878, but questions surfaced soon after as to whether Thayer was the actual inventor. Thatcher claimed that he was the first to make and wear a catcher's mask, saying that he wore a mask that he and Thayer made from heavy wire during the first game of the 1876 season. Although Tyng defended Thayer as the original creator of the mask after the 1876 season, Tyng claimed to have come up with the idea that a catcher ought to have face protection. Once Thayer patented the mask, however, much to Tyng's dismay, Tyng did not receive any credit or recognition for his idea. Still another twist to the story came from Warren Briggs, a local semipro catcher of the time. He claimed he saw a catcher's mask in Thayer's room in 1875 and even suggested to Thayer several ways to improve it. Briggs further claimed that he had used the mask in 1876.
Evolution
While questions remain as to who is the true inventor of the catcher's mask, the contributions the men made are invaluable to ensure the safety of baseball catchers. The catcher's mask has come a long way since its humble beginnings. The masks of today are larger but more comfortable than earlier designs. Many current models resemble hockey masks. It is mandatory for both amateur and professional catchers to wear a league-approved mask during practice and play.
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