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Posted By: davidcycleback

Bresnahan was the first to wear shin guards as a catcher. I also thought he was the first to wear a batting helmet. I don't see how either 'invention' would boost a player into the Hall.

I believe Al Spalding was the first player to wear a fielder's glove, though he had a lot else going for him Hall-wise-- including being one of the best pitchers of the day, founder of Spalding sporting goods and baseball exec.