This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/24/2014
Jack Powell, as notorious off the field as he was consistent with his calls on it, was considered one of the best umpires some 70 years ago in the Pacific Coast League (PCL). And he made his calls during a time (late ‘30s and early ‘40s) when safety behind the plate wasn’t always a major consideration. This lot includes several pieces of Powell’s game-used equipment from the 1940 era. First up is a canvas fabric chest guard, divided into channels, each filled with wooden blocks and cotton padding for protection, which covers the chest and midsection area. The very rigid, crescent-shaped leather shoulder guards are heavily padded on the interior and are attached to the main body on both sides. Next you’ll find a pair of protective shin guards with rigid, molded Fiberglas shin plates with heavily padded leather knee and ankle guards. There is a leather brace at center of both shin plates, with cotton webbing straps at top and bottom of guard. In addition there is a cast-steel face guard, much like a catcher’s vintage headgear, as well as a pair of old vintage leather spikes measuring 10.5” long. Both cleats are still sporting all six original metal spikes. Lastly, this lots includes a small whisk broom with a wooden handle with steel terminal. Straw bristles, stitched near bottom. Handle and upper part of brush are heavily taped with cloth tape. The head of a nail shows in the top of the handle.
Includes a Letter of Provenance from the Helms Athletic Foundation/LA84 Collection.