1877 Catcher’s mask game image (earliest?)
 

I have found an image of Tyng wearing the catcher’s mask in a game against Yale on June 22, 1877. Sorry, not a photo, but a nice illustration by Attwood in a book entitled Manners and Customs of Harvard Students, published in 1877. The book of illustrations notes they first appeared in the Harvard Lampoon, no dates given.
The illustration shows Yale batting, Ernst pitching and Tyng catching with the mask. I believe the earliest photo is the 1877 team image, date unknown, but I am guessing it was taken onetime in May or June as the college season lasted much longer than the current seasons.

catcher gloves/chest protector early photo
 

Anyone know when baseball catchers first began to wear chest protection, may help date this tin photo!!-( possibly late 19th century ??)-thanks

According to SABR, the chest protectors of some sort, began to be used in 1880’s.
Some credit Deacon White with making the first one in 1883.
I am pretty sure an equipment person on here will be able to give you a pretty good date for your particular protector. Nice image.

The batter invented spandex.


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---The batter invented spandex. ---


If so did he made a fortune--Ha!

FYI, found the date the illustration appeared in the Harvard Lampoon. Curiously, I was the same date as the game it depicts, June 22, 1877, page 115.
I am attaching a box score of the game if anyone is interested.
Still no date the team photo was taken.