No-helmet hitters during the 60s & 70sby theFalcon - 32 cards (Last updated on Dec 8, 2021) |
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.
31. 2019 Topps Archives - 50th Anniversary of the Montréal Expos Autographs #MTLA-MW Maury Wills
YouTube source: World Series ('63, '65, '66) and highlights of Montreal Expos' first game of 1969 at Shea Stadium.
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Comments
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. | ||
Interesting topic. I like it. Can you name the last major leaguer to bat in a game without a helmet? | ||
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. | ||
Bingo! Bob was grandfathered in to not wear a helmet. His last game was September 9, 1979. |