Belt Buckles

[Archive]

Posted By: John S

A while back (I can't remeber the thread) a poster made a comment about belt buckles being worn on the side of the uniform rather than the front. I believe it was the Marquard T206. I noticed that Hal Chase also has his belt buckle on the side in my M101-2. Is there a practical explanation? Any other photos or cards depicting this fashion statement?

[Archive]

Posted By: Dave

I made the comment about Marquard not looking much like a lady's man....If I remember correctly the explanation for the belt buckles to the side, for one was they were so big and bulky it helped with the sliding into the bases and such not to have the buckles straight on.

[Archive]

Posted By: Tom Boblitt

bend at the waist really quickly and have it jab you right in the gut. Obviously, my gut is the problem but I think it would make sense if you're constantly bending for ground balls or whatever, it could be painful. The buckle on that belt doesn't look that ominous though.....

[Archive]

Posted By: Mike

Correct. Belt buckles were worn to the side, so that it would tear the crap out their stomachs, if they had to slide into base, or dive for a ground ball or fly ball. It was no fashion statement. Another factor why it was important, was because outfield grass was not as plush as today, and infield dirt, was much harder and more compact, because it wasn't treated as tenderly as it is today. And worked with machines. Can you imagine that metal buckle ripping into your stomach as you do a head first slide into second base? Ouch...

Edited to add that the type of belt worn by Chase here, tended to "pinch" your stomach if you slid in head first.
In either case, it would hurt.

[Archive]

Posted By: Erland

I'd buckle my pants on the side too if my uniform had a belt loop smack dab in the middle of the front. (At least that's what Chase's uniform seems to have.)

[Archive]

Posted By: Mike

Yeah, that's really interesting but can we get to the real question here? Has that card been "altered"?

[Archive]

Posted By: fkw

Even Modern players sometimes do this.

Head first dives and slides is the main reason.

Its sort of like sticking the first finger out of the glove, comfort.

[Archive]

Posted By: t206King

Also is easier to throw a ball. I used to put my belt buckle liek that when i played. Christy Mathewson also did it, and cobb sometimes did i heard.

[Archive]

Posted By: Anonymous

Mike I see a corner that looks suspect.

Shane