Object Details
maker
Spalding & Evenflo Companies
Description
Baseball fielder's mitt from around the turn of the 20th century.
As sports became more popular in the second half of the 18th century, League's were organized, rules were codified, and equipment was developed for better play and protection.
This mitt was made by A.G. Spalding and Bros., a sport equipment manufacturer based in Chicago Illinois. In 1876, at the time of the company's inception, Spalding was a pitcher, first baseman and Manager for the Chicago White Stockings, a professional baseball team.
Gloves, once seen as unmasculine, were beginning to find footing amongst players within the 1870s. Spalding first wore one in 1877 while playing first. Soon afterward the practice became widespread.
Over the years baseball player's gloves have advanced and became more specialized by position.
date made
ca 1875
ca 1
ca 1900
afer 1875
ID Number
1982.0128.01
accession number
1982.0128
catalog number
1982.0128.01
Object Name
mitt, baseball
Physical Description
cotton (overall material)
brass (overall material)
brown (overall color)
leather (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 7 in x 7 1/2 in; 17.78 cm x 19.05 cm
overall, maximum (exhibit or expanded): 7 1/2 in x 7 in x 2 1/2 in; 19.05 cm x 17.78 cm x 6.35 cm
See more items in
Culture and the Arts: Sport and Leisure
Exhibition
Entertainment Nation
Exhibition Location
National Museum of American History
Data Source
National Museum of American History
name of sport or game
Baseball
web subject
Sports
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_665786