No-helmet hitters during the 60s & 70s

by theFalcon - 32 cards (Last updated on Dec 8, 2021)

This is my first attempt at a list. I wanted to come up with one that was quirky and challenging to create. I got the idea by watching the 1965 YouTube video of the Reds' Jim Maloney no-hitting the Cubs. Pete Rose batted with a soft cap which had some kind of padded liner on the inside of it (the outline through the cap was quite visible).

As background, by the late 50s the NL and AL said all players must wear batting helmets, but the rule was not enforced. At the Dec. 1970 winter meetings, the major leagues mandated the helmet rule for all players who signed up after that point and "grandfathered" players who signed before that.

Feel free to suggest additional players, but please include a source for them. Thanks.

11. 1963 Topps #525 Nellie Fox

Getty Images source: Hitting at Yankee Stadium in 1961.

12. 1963 Fleer #33 Gene Freese

Getty Images source: Hitting at the LA Coliseum on 7/9/1961.

13. 1964 Topps #217 Jim King

YouTube source: 1964 MLB highlights.

1969 Detroit Tigers Color Picture Pack B #NNO Mickey Lolich Front

14. 1969 Detroit Tigers Color Picture Pack B #NNO Mickey Lolich

YouTube source: 1968 World Series ... homered off Nelson Briles of Cardinals in Game Two!

1978 TCMA The 1960's I #0272 Hector Lopez Front

15. 1978 TCMA The 1960's I #0272 Hector Lopez

Getty Images source: Striking out against Sandy Koufax during Game One of 1963 World Series.

1965 Jay Publishing Boston Red Sox #NNO Frank Malzone Front

16. 1965 Jay Publishing Boston Red Sox #NNO Frank Malzone

Getty Images source: Hitting at Fenway Park, 1963.

1988 Domino's Detroit Tigers #NNO Eddie Mathews Front

17. 1988 Domino's Detroit Tigers #NNO Eddie Mathews

YouTube source: 1968 World Series.

1962 Topps - Stamps #NNO Willie Mays Front

18. 1962 Topps - Stamps #NNO Willie Mays

Getty Images source: Hitting 4th home run against the Braves on 4/30/1961.

Willie switched to the hard hat in 1962.

19. 1971 Bazooka #NNO Sam McDowell

YouTube source: 1970 All-Star Game ... executed sacrifice bunt to advance Ray Fosse to second base.

1976 Boston Red Sox Photocards #NNO Bob Montgomery Front

20. 1976 Boston Red Sox Photocards #NNO Bob Montgomery

YouTube source: 1975 World Series, Game 7 ... pinch-hit groundout in the 9th inning.

He was the last of the grandfathered players.

Comments

May 26, 2020 - 2:18PM
MoPack626

Indeed your list is quirky, but very interesting. I love the historical aspect of your list and the YouTube links. It's interesting that some players were brave (or stupid) to not wear one, especially when "safety" wasn't as prioritized as now. The NFL had something similar with helmets and face guards. I remember watching a Cardinals punter wearing just a single bar in games I think in 2006; he was grandfathered in like these MLB players.

Jun 2, 2020 - 10:38PM
HookedSince68

Interesting topic. I like it. Can you name the last major leaguer to bat in a game without a helmet?

Jun 3, 2020 - 12:13AM
theFalcon

Unless you know differently, I'm pretty sure it's Bob Montgomery, who is already in this list. His last season was 1979. I remember watching a Yankees/Red Sox game where a broadcaster mentioned with disapproval how Montgomery wore a liner inside a soft cap as a substitute for a helmet. It was either a Yankees broadcast or NBC network broadcast.

Jun 3, 2020 - 2:01AM
HookedSince68

Bingo! Bob was grandfathered in to not wear a helmet. His last game was September 9, 1979.

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This list was created by site member theFalcon. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the Trading Card Database.