Lamar 'Skeeter' Newsome was the first graduate of my high school to play in the majors. I believe he was the first American League player to use a 'partially' protective 'sleeve' within his cap.
from SABR profile- In Skeeter’s obituary, it was noted, “Newsome claimed that he was the first player to wear a batting helmet. After being beaned in the head twice, the second time suffering serious injuries, Athletics manager Connie Mack wouldn’t let Newsome return to action until he wore some type of head protection.” He wore an aluminum helmet of some sort in late 1938, then a fiber helmet in 1939.
The Big Hurt is not obscure, so I won't even mention him...but he also attended Columbus High.
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"A life is not important except in the impact it has on others lives" - Jackie Robinson
“If you have a chance to make life better for others and fail to do so, you are wasting your time on this earth.”- Roberto Clemente
Last edited by clydepepper; 05-08-2023 at 02:43 PM.
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