The Giants become the first team to employ a public address system when they place a microphone inside the mask of connected home plate umpire Charles Rigler. The team’s effort to have the ump broadcast ball-and-strike calls to the Polo Grounds crowd doesn’t work very well.

On August 25, 1929 — At the Polo Grounds, fans are able to hear the calls of home plate umpire Cy Rigler, who is wired for sound, a first in major league history. Wearing a mike, wearing metal-plated shoes, and standing on a flat metal sheet, Cy’s calls are broadcast over speakers. The Giants top the Pirates, 10 – 5. However, the team’s effort to have the ump broadcast ball-and-strike calls to the Polo Grounds crowd doesn’t work very well.