#Shortstops: Protective innovation
In 1905, the Reach Pneumatic Head Protector was introduced to help protect batters' heads at the plate. It was invented by Frank Pierce Mogridge and patented by the sporting goods manufacturer A.J. Reach Company.
After getting beaned in the head by Cincinnati Reds pitcher Andy Coakley on June 18, 1907, the future Hall of Famer returned to the lineup the next month wearing the protector for a brief time before quickly abandoning it.
Matthew Carter was a curatorial intern in the Hall of Fame’s Frank and Peggy Steele Internship Program for Youth Leadership Development
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