Gray Chest Protector (1884) - W. Gray
Patent number 295,543 This chest protector invented by William Gray looked a lot like an apron and it had a rubber rib cage. It was stuffed with pads and was usually worn underneath the players uniform. |
Gamble Chest Protector (1903) - J. Gamble
Patent number 745,007 John Gamble added inflatable pads to Gray's chest protector and added shoulder pads for more protection to the catcher. |
Glahe Chest Protector (1960) - F.W. Glahe
Patent number 3,076,197 This chest protector was the first one to be flexible enough for the catcher to move fluently. This chest protecter was also lightweight compared to the ones made in the late 1800's. |
Neuhalfen Chest Protector (1991) - M. Neuhalfen
Patent number 5,020,156 This chest protector was the first one to include removable shoulder pads. This helped catchers because some like the shoulder pads while some catchers like them off. |