Pirates become the first team to use protective headgear, a precursor to the batting helmet

On September 12, 1952 — At Forbes Field, the Pirates become the first team to use protective headgear, a precursor to the batting helmet, that protects the players’ temples. Branch Rickey’s innovation, worn both at the plate and in the field in the Bucs’ twin bill split with Boston, is a plastic hat with a foam layer attached to the hat band.

Braves pitcher Ernie Johnson is given 16 runs by his Boston teammates‚ as he coasts to a 16-0 nitecap win against the Pirates. The Bucs win the opener‚ 8-1‚ behind Bob Friend and Ralph Kiner. Kiner blasts his 35th and 36th homers‚ each with a man on‚ to stay one back of Sauer of the Cubs.

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1966 – John Bateman notices his catcher’s mitt is gone from Wrigley Field. Bob Aspromonte and Nate Colbert have also had their gloves stolen. Bateman gets his revenge by smashing two home runs in an 8-5 triumph. Dave Giusti surrenders four home runs but Houston rallies with five runs in the ninth. Carroll Sembera gets his first big league win.

August 9, 1966

A power failure at Forbes Field delays the start of the game with the Dodgers by two hours and the game ends at 1:56AM the latest to date

June 22, 1951

Bob Montgomery becomes the last player to step into the batter’s box without wearing a helmet

September 9, 1979

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