1887 Umpire Counter 5 Balls 4 Strikes Indicator Spalding TM Patent Oct 12, 1886
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:5384425 | Original/Reproduction: Original |
| Year: 1887 |
1887 Major League Baseball Umpire Counter [Indicator] - Excellent Condition* 5 Balls * 4 Strikes * Spalding Trade Mark * Oct. 12, 1886The more baseball stays the same the more it changes. Batters of the 19th century could request a low or high pitch from 1867 to 1887. Initially, baseball games were thought of as offensive and defensive expositions with the pitcher's primary job simply to lob underhand tosses that were easy to hit. Thus, pitchers were required to throw... underhand up until 1883. As the rules started to allow pitchers to protect their interest more and more with side arm and then overhand throws, the offensive output around the leagues fell dramatically. So in 1887 (and for only that one experimental year) walks were considered hits and the pitch count went to Five Balls and Four Strikes. To accommodate this major rule change the Spalding company had to adjust the original patent on its May 28, 1878 Umpire Celluloid Indicator (Counter) which it did with its October 12, 1886 patent in preparation for the 1887 season. This beautifully toned Spalding 1887 Umpire Indicator shows the two dates of the original and modified patent dates at the bottom of the front of this amazingly preserved working 1887 Umpire Indicator (aka counter, aka clicker). This just may be the chance of a lifetime for you to enjoy a very specific date from our National Past-time and all the memories that come with it.Smoke-free, Pet-free EnvironmentEbay Buyer Protection provided by USPS with Online Tracking
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