We're trying to improve Conversations.
Please take a brief survey and help us out.

The game has evolved

By Rob Neyer
ESPN Insider

Thursday, June 1, 2006

Despite the work of intrepid researchers, we'll probably never know when a batter first stepped to the plate wearing something to protect his skull from errant pitches. We do know that Roger Bresnahan -- a catcher famous for popularizing the use of shin guards while behind the plate -- was hospitalized in 1907 after being struck in the head by a pitch, and that when he returned to the lineup, he wore "a primitive helmet known as the Head Protector, invented in 1905 by Frank Mogridge and marketed ...

Read full story | Create Your Profile

Activate your ESPN Profile!

Sort comments by: Most Recent | First Posted

Comments that include profanity, or personal attacks, or antisocial behavior such as "spamming" or "trolling," or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. We will take steps to block users who violate any of our terms of use. You are fully responsible for the content that you post.


Conversations in Real-Time

CONTESTS & PROMOTIONS

ESPN Fantasy Salary Cap
Create your own fantasy game day living room and win BIG!
Heisman Vote 2009
Vote for the next Heisman winner and enter for a chance to win a trip to the awards show. Mor
Engineered to Win Challenge
Test your football smarts by playing NFL trivia and enter each week for a chance to win a 2010 GMC Sierra.