| Bare Handed |
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| Written by Troy Chuinard | |
| Wednesday, 05 December 2007 | |
As one of America’s greatest pastimes, the game of baseball has evolved since it was first started in the mid 1800’s. The style that we have grown accustomed to watching and playing today is extremely different from the past. The manufacturing of the balls is more complex, a few of the rules have changed, and the different field constructions provide for extreme variation. However, one factor that has changed the game significantly since it originated usually goes unconsidered. That factor is the simple adoption of the baseball glove.
What many fail to realize is that when the game of baseball was created, there wasn’t sufficient technology available like there is today. Surprisingly, the baseball glove was not even used in the beginning. Players and fans considered the glove the “easy way out,” and those who felt it was necessary were considered sissies. Many believe that the first player to ever use a baseball glove in a professional game was Doug Allison. At the time, Allison was the catcher for the Cincinnati Red Stockings during the 1870’s. After injuring his left hand, he felt that he had to wear some sort of protection to continue playing. The first documented story of glove use involves St. Louis first baseman Charles Waitt. In 1875, Waitt flashed a pair of flesh-colored gloves. What’s interesting is the fact that the first gloves that were used were nowhere near similar to the gloves that players wear today. First, the gloves were substantially smaller in size, no larger than the shape of a player’s hand. In addition, the fingertips were cut off. Basically, their main purpose was to provide extra padding to prevent injury. As stated earlier, the transition to glove use was not sudden, as many considered it a sign of weakness. It wasn’t until the 1890’s that the use of the baseball glove became an everyday practice in the game. Albert Spalding has been accredited for revolutionizing the piece of equipment to what it is today. As an equipment manufacturer, Spalding also created the first official baseball rule book. He developed a chain of retail stores all across the country, and in 1901 he had roughly 14 locations. Spalding products are still sold today in some of the famous sporting goods stores.
The use of the glove has had a strong impact on the general game play. For one, it limits injuries. Moreover, there is no doubt that it provides more entertainment, as players can now dive in all directions and make exciting one-handed grabs. There are also various types of gloves that are used. For instance, there are catcher’s mitts, first baseman’s mitts, pitcher’s gloves, infielder’s gloves, and outfielder’s gloves. All of these styles vary in size and shape, and they are designed to make it easier for the athletes who play at a particular position. Undoubtedly, the evolution of the baseball glove has had a notable impact on the way that the game is played today. There is no telling how it will continue to evolve in the future.
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