Catcher
Subtitle: how the man behind the plate became an American folk hero
By: Peter Morris.
Publisher: Ivan R. Dee
Published: 2009
Place of publication: Chicago
Language: eng
Number of pages: 386
ISBN-13: 9781566638227
Subjects: Catchers (Baseball) -- United States -- History
Description: "In baseball's early days, catchers stood a safe distance back of the batter without protective gear. Then the introduction of the curveball in the 1870s led them to move up directly behind home plate, even though they still wore no gloves or other protection. Courage became the catcher's most notable requirement. But the new position also demanded that the catcher have lightning-fast reflexes, great hands, and a great throwing arm. A special mystique came to surround the position ... Yet the catcher's reign as a preeminent folk hero proved short-lived: soon the introduction of masks, chest protectors, and mitts robbed him of his mystique and status ... Two decades later, the introduction of another new pitch changed everything once again and restored the catcher's prestige"--Publisher description.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.