Baseball and its equipment have been around for over 150 years. The game itself has evolved over time and so have the tools used to play it. One piece of equipment that has remained relatively unchanged is the baseball glove or “mitt”. But why is a baseball glove called a mitt?
The Origin of the Baseball Glove
The first known use of a baseball glove was in 1870 by Charles Waite, an outfielder for the Brooklyn Atlantics. Waite wore a glove made out of buckskin to help him catch the ball. He was ridiculed by the other players for using a “woman’s glove”, but his teammates soon followed suit. Over the following decades, the baseball glove evolved from its buckskin origins to become what it is today.
The First Mass Produced Baseball Glove
The first mass-produced baseball glove was created by Albert Spalding in 1875. This glove was made of leather and featured a padded palm and webbing between the thumb and forefinger. This allowed for a better grip on the ball and made catching easier. This glove was named the “Spalding Fingerless Fielder’s Glove” and is the direct ancestor of modern baseball gloves.
Why is a Baseball Glove Called a Mitt?
The term “mitt” was originally used to describe the glove used by Charles Waite in 1870. This term was derived from the German word “mitten”, which literally translates to “small glove”. The term was used to describe the smaller, less protective glove used by Waite.
Over time, the term “mitt” was used to refer to any type of baseball glove. This is likely because the term was already in use and was descriptive of the type of glove used in the game.
Evolution of the Baseball Glove
Since the introduction of the Spalding Fingerless Fielder’s Glove, the baseball glove has changed significantly. Modern gloves are made of leather, plastic, and synthetic materials and feature padding for added protection and comfort. Gloves are also available in a variety of sizes and styles to fit the needs of any position.
The Future of the Baseball Glove
The future of the baseball glove is difficult to predict. Technology is always advancing and the game itself is constantly changing. As new technologies emerge and the game evolves, so too will the baseball glove.
Conclusion
The baseball glove has been around for over 150 years and has evolved significantly over time. Despite this, the term “mitt” is still used to describe the glove. This term was derived from the German word “mitten” and has been used to refer to any type of baseball glove since the 1870s. The glove has changed drastically since then, but its name has remained the same.