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Umpire mask worn by Emmett Ashford

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object Details

Manufactured by
Spalding, American, founded 1876
Subject of
Emmett Littleton Ashford, American, 1914 - 1980
Major League Baseball, American, founded 1869
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.
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Frederick A. King and Family
ca. 1965
Object number
2014.16.1
Restrictions & Rights
No Known Copyright Restrictions
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
Type
masks (costume)
Medium
leather, metal, plastic, and elastic
Dimensions
10 1/4 × 9 1/2 × 10 1/2 in. (26 × 24.1 × 26.7 cm)
See more items in
National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification
Clothing - Sports Uniforms
Exhibition
Sports: Leveling the Playing Field
On View
NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Community/Third Floor, 3 052
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Topic
African American
Baseball
Clothing and dress
Sports
Record ID
nmaahc_2014.16.1
Metadata Usage (text)
CC0
GUID (Link to Original Record)
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5bd009f57-d3e6-4207-a2b4-d95ab373a75b

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