The Pitcher statuette

Date1868

DescriptionBronze statuette depicting a male figure with his left leg outstretched and his left arm leaning on his thigh, right leg behind and right arm outstretched behind and holding a baseball. Figure is dressed in a jacket and trousers and is wearing a cap with a shortened bill. Figure is mounted on a raised base platform with a textured surface and "K. Muller & J. Deacon Pat. 1868" in slightly raised lettering. Underside of base is hollow with a paper label adhered, "Catcher and Shortstop, in clay colored material, $3 each / John Deacon / Sculptor / 307 East 21st Street, N.Y."

Bio/Historical NoteBronze statuette titled "The Pitcher" produced by Muller & Deacon, patented May 12, 1868. This statuette was one of a pair, the other being a batter. Each statuette originally sold for $6. A slightly larger version of this statuette was first produced in 1867. Note that the pitcher has long pants, with a belt at the bottom of each pant leg. This was a common method of securing the pants so that they were not in the way or clipped by cleats. The introduction of the knickers by the Cincinnati Red Stockings that very year (1868) would ultimately win out as the best method of avoiding problems with loose pant legs.

Object numberB-1953-0237

Artist, Creator, or Manufacturer Deacon, John

Attributes

statues

Classificationsworks of art

Dimensions7.5 x 10 x 3.5 in.

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