Umpire indicator

Date1887

DescriptionWhite celluloid umpire indicator with a metal screw at the front top center and in each lower corner. Top edge has two dials with scalloped edges. Front of the indicator has "Balls" and "Strikes" imprinted in black lettering beneath circular holes. Numbers are etched in black on the two dials and can be changed by turning the dials. There are patent markings imprinted along the front bottom left corner, "Pat'd May 28, 1878," and the front bottom right corner, "Pat'd Oct 12, 1886." There is a "Spalding" logo imprinted in black on the back side.

Bio/Historical NoteUmpire indicator from 1887, the only year in which it took four strikes for a strike-out. The counter for strikes goes to "4." Since it took five balls for a walk that season, the counter for balls goes to "5." The device was first patented on October 12, 1886 not as a baseball device but as a "Game Counter." The 1887 Spalding Baseball Guide advertised the product, stating "Now that the number of strikes has been increased it will be more difficult for the umpire, scorer or spectator to keep track of the balls and strikes called, and therefore is useful to all." It sold for 75 cents.

Object numberB-1964-0312

Artist, Creator, or Manufacturer A.G. Spalding & Bros. (Manufacturer)

Attributes

Classificationsstadium artifacts

Dimensions3 x 1.25 x .5 in.

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