St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1889-03-31
ARMOR FOR UMPIREs.
Sandy McDermott Proposes tt
Survive the Ball Season,

Survive the Ball Season.
The umpire has long been an object
at which the jeers, execrations. anathe-
mas and mellow vegetables of base ball
audiences and base ball players have
been hurled, as we'll as a defenseless
target for the eccentric in-shOots and
out-curves of the pitcher, SAYS the Chi
cago Tribune. Heretofore such slight
protection as he has had has consisted
of catcher's mask, sometimes supple
mented with breast shield. These
were well enough, so far as they went,
but they left exposed as a tempta-
ton to the pitcher those most sensi-
tive parts of the umpire'S anatomy,
his ShinS, and afforded no defense
whatever to attacks from the flank and
rear. 1t is therefore interesting to note
that one umpire at least will take more
effective measures against the balls and
bats of outrageous fortune encountered
on the ball field. Sandy McDermott, of
the Western league, is the umpire VITO
will introduce the innovation. Sandy
has an eXcusable regard for Sandy'S
physiological entirety, and to the end
that it shall be safe from the enemy's
onslaught has had built for use during
the coming season helmet and cuiraSS
of stout bulls hide, Steel-bound and
braSs-riyeted, which shield his head and
body. The suit is ingeniously con-
Structed, like ancient armOr, to yield
with the movements of the wearer,
while light but strong steel ribs offer
stout resistance to assaults from with
out. The helmet is lined with a COM
blnation OF steel bars, springs and cot
ton wool in such a way that not even
the most powerful blow from an irate
batSman would be felt on the wearer's
head. In fact, the only vulnerable spot
in the helmet is the hole necessarily left
for the umpire'S mouth, and even this
is in measure protected by wire net
ting. For his legs Sandy has devised
coverings somewhat resembling crick-
eters' foils, but much thicker and
stronger, constructed of heavy BULBS
hide, backed up by hickory broom
sticks. Cast-iron shoes for his feet and
a pair OF eight-ounce boxing gloves for
his hands complete the costume. In
addition to the security afforded the
Wearer 1t is expected that the ap-
NOR on the field will prove an
added attraction to the game, and
materially swell the gate receipts
when Sandy officiates. For time, no
doubt, McDermott'S devicewill serve its
end, but the time anticipated by the
Louisville Courier-Journal is surely APP
preaching. That paper prints spirited
diagram foreshadowing the needs of the
umpire of the future. The cut shows
the umpire in various positions of COM
parative safety, such as the pinnacle of
lofty oil-well derrick. up in balloon,
and behind the walls of steel fort,
while certain of the players and specta-
tors are firing at him with revolvers,
and others are trying to bring him down
with field artillery. The following re-
Sised rules considerably go with the
cut:
One shot allowed with each reserved seat
ticket.
Dead-heads must shoot with their mouths.
Fresh umpires will be kept in stock.
The umpire is there for nine innings, so
take your time.
Dynamite bombs not allowed
Umpires should kiss their wives and girls
good-by at the gate.
No insurance taken on empires
Particles of the umpire's clothing will be
distributed by the peanut-boys after the fir
ing.
Boys up tree will be allowed three shots
for cents.
Spectators will please not perforate the
balloon-be sure to hit the umpire
The coroner is engaged for the season.