OT: Baseball historians -- a couple questions

[Oldtix]

Originally Posted by Chris Counts

I can't answer the foul ball question, but I recently discovered umpires started started tossing out scuffed or dirty balls in 1921, an event that was likely related to the foul ball question. The spitball was also banned at the same time. These changes were clearly done with the intention of taking advantage of the live ball, which was introduced the previous year ...

I believe there was also great emphasis on player safety after Ray Chapman's death after being hit by a Carl Mays pitch in 1920...a dirty ball was harder for the batter to see.

[GrayGhost]

A wonderful thread here. Part of why baseball is the greatest is the rich history, in the players, rules, etc. Just so much to read on, and absorb. My dream job has always been something in baseball, even part time. Anyone got anything I can do? haha.

[insidethewrapper]

In 1916, Chicago Cubs owner Charles Weeghman became the first to officially allow fans to keep any and all balls hit into the stands. His decision followed an incident in which a fan fought with park attendants after catching a foul ball during the St. Louis Cardinals' series.

Also I believe a fan took a club to court and won in the 1920's (?). I'm looking for the reference to this now.