On February 12, 1878: The Captain of Harvard’s baseball team received a patent for creating a catcher’s mask.

Taking his inspiration from the fencing mask, Thayer designed a mask that added a forehead pad and chin rest to help absorb the impact of the ball. He also replaced the fine wire mesh of the fencing mask with a “birdcage” face protector that improved visibility.Thayer and Tyng experimented with the catcher’s mask away from the diamond, before Tyng finally used it in a regular-season game on April 12, 1877.

Originally, it was only worn on a two-strike count but eventually, Tyng kept it on for all pitches. A.G. Spalding and Brothers first sold the mask for $3.

Thanks to Ryan for the tip.

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