Object Details
user
Smith, Vinnie
Associated Name
Pittsburgh Pirates
Atlanta Braves
Description
Umpire's plate brush used by Major League Baseball Umpire Vinnie Smith on May 26, 1959 in a contest between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Milwaukee Braves. In that game, the Pirates left-handed pitcher Harvey Haddix threw 12 perfect innings, only to lose the game 1-0 in the 13th. The plate brush was used to dust the dirt off of home plate.
Vincent “Vinnie” Smith played Major League Baseball for the Pittsburgh Pirates for two seasons, 1941 and 1946. In between these appearances, the catcher served in the Second World War after being drafted into the US Navy. In his 16 games played, Smith had a .259 batting average with 14 hits and 5 runs batted in. Returning to the Minors, he eventually took up umpiring. In 1957 he was called up to the National League, where he remained an umpire until 1965.
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
Edwin A. Rowlands
date made
1959
ID Number
1983.0347.07
accession number
1983.0347
catalog number
1983.0347.07
Object Name
brush
brush, plate
Physical Description
wood (overall material)
bristles (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 5 in x 2 in x 3/4 in; 12.7 cm x 5.08 cm x 1.905 cm
See more items in
Culture and the Arts: Sport and Leisure
Data Source
National Museum of American History
name of sport or game
Baseball
level of sport
Professional
web subject
Sports
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_679472