Brooklyn Eagle
August 4, 1890
In a great article written in 1890, the topic is the early season preparation of the catcher. The early part of the article talks of proper loosening up the arm when in the gymnasium in pre season by throwing short distances and eventually lengthening the throws to reach second base with “comparative ease.” A later section talks about the importance of a mask but the relevant portion to us modern day vintage ballists talks about preparing the hands.
“A point of catcher’s practice which does not enter into the work of the pitcher is that of toughening the hands. Rowing on the machines, climbing the rope, swinging on the flying rings, and hand ball, if there be any court for that excellent game, will all tend toward this end. He should consider, however, that it is not merely toughening the skin of the hands that is desirable, but also hardening the flesh so that is not easily bruised. For this reason he should receive no swift balls, and should stop at the first feeling of anything beyond a moderate tingling of the palms. His hands should receive their full preparatory hardening before he goes out into the field, for ordinary carefulness demands that he should do no catching behind the bat after the season commences with hands full protected by well padded gloves. What is commonly called a stone bruise is one of the carelessness in this respect.”
