Alexander Cartwright has been credited with inventing the game of baseball in 1845. It’s all here in our Museum Series Baseball design: the bats, balls, gloves, and cleats, which together offer a fascinating glimpse at the evolution of America’s favorite pastime. We’ll just start with the baseball for the younger set, but below is a glimpse of other historical changes in baseball (they’re all included on our adult-version products).
From 1845 to 1874 players caught the ball barehanded—and were even scorned for using a glove! Early gloves were little more than thin workmen’s gloves until later, glove design began to feature both padding and webbing.
Early baseballs were “dead” with little rebound and, during the “Dead-ball Era” known for low-scoring games and a lack of home runs, a ball would be used until it began to unravel. After 1910, with the introduction of a cork center and tighter yarn windings, the new “rabbit balls” —balls that behaved like hippity-hopping rabbits and traveled long distances once hit (the term was used in news stories whenever the number of home runs suddenly increased)—were faster and far more lively. With Babe Ruth’s rise as a power hitter in 1919, a whole new era of power baseball had begun.
Early bats were more substantial than those of today. Averaging 10 ounces more in weight, these were big-nosed, fat-handled clubs made of hickory for durability. In early days, the breaking of a bat was considered bad luck!
The introduction of cleats made a dramatic change in the ability to run, intimidate the other player, and steal bases.
These inventions evoke memories of Ty Cobb’s cleats, Micky Cochran’s catcher’s glove and Babe Ruth’s bat—the “real stuff” of baseball.
Baseball Patent Baby Bodysuit
$24.00
See The Story of this design in tab, below.
An ideal gift for any new parent who will want one in every color. This soft and comfy baby bodysuit featuring our “pocket print” Museum Series Baseball design will be a great addition to any baby’s wardrobe. This short-sleeved one piece bodysuit has three-snap leg closure and a comfortable envelope neckline that makes changing easy on everyone. Some design elements change slightly depending on whether it is printed on a light or dark garment. Fit: Infant Unisex Sizes 3-6M, 6-12M, 12-18M, 18-24M
•100% combed, ring-spun airlume cotton jersey
•Heather colors are 52% combed, ring-spun airlume cotton and 48% polyester
•Fabric weight: 3.9 oz/y² (132.2 g/m²)
•Side-seamed construction
•Envelope neckline
•Three-snap leg closure
Size Guide: Baby Bodysuit
USA/INCHES Sizes: Baby Bodysuit | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1″ = 2.54 cm | 2-6M | 6-12M | 12-19M | 18-24M | |
(A) Length (inches) | 20-25 | 25-28 | 29-30 | 30-32 | |
(B) Width (inches) | 9-3/8 | 9-7/8 | 10-3/8 | 10-7/8 | |
Fits Weight (lbs) | 12.0-16.0 | 16.0-22.0 | 22.0-27.0 | 27.0-30.0 |
CENTIMETERS Sizes: Baby Bodysuit | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2.54 cm = 1″ | 2-6M | 6-12M | 12-19M | 18-24M | |
(A) Length (cm) | 50.0-63.5 | 63.5-71.1 | 71.1-76.2 | 76.2-81.2 | |
(B) Width (cm) | 23.8 | 25.1 | 26.4 | 27.6 | |
Fits Weight (kg) | 5.4-7.3 | 7.3-10.0 | 10.0-12.2 | 12.2-13.6 |
CARE:
Machine wash, cold, inside out, gentle cycle with mild detergent and similar colors. Use non-chlorine bleach—only when necessary No fabric softeners.
Tumble dry, low heat, or hang-dry for longest life.
Cool iron inside-out if necessary. Do not iron decoration or print.
Do not dry clean.