On View
Sports Gallery
Exhibition
Sports: Leveling the Playing Field
Manufactured by
Spalding, American, founded 1876
Subject of
Ashford, Emmett Littleton, American, 1914 - 1980
Major League Baseball, American, founded 1869
Date
ca. 1965
Medium
leather, metal, plastic, and elastic
Dimensions
10 1/4 × 9 1/2 × 10 1/2 in. (26 × 24.1 × 26.7 cm)
Caption
Emmett Ashford was the first African American umpire in Major League Baseball (MLB). Ashford umped from 1966-1970 and was known for his animated calls and dress. After retiring as an umpire in 1970, Ashford continued his relationship with MLB and was hired by Commissioner Bowie Kuhn as a public relations advisor in 1971.
Description
An umpire’s mask worn by Emmett Ashford. The mask is made of metal with a protective bar across the chin, jaw and forehead. The mask is padded with leather on the inside. The leather padding is held together with metal snaps. Attached by leather and buckles is an adjustable, elastic back strap that allows the mask to be pulled over the face. Written in green ink on prober right jawline padding is [Ashford]. On the back strap is the Spalding logo. The logo says [A.G.SPALDINGB.BROS / MADE IN U.S.A.] and [TRADE / SPALDING / MARK]. On the left side of the tag is vertical black text that says [REGISTERED]. On the right side of the tag is vertical black text that reads [U.S. PAT. OFF]. Stamped on the back strap in white is illegible text on the proper right side.
Classification
Clothing - Sports Uniforms
Type
masks (costume)
Topic
Baseball
Clothing and dress
Sports
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Frederick A. King and Family
Object number
2014.16.1
Restrictions & Rights
No Known Copyright Restrictions
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5bd009f57-d3e6-4207-a2b4-d95ab373a75b

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at NMAAHCDigiTeam@si.edu

Share this page