Thayer Mask (1878) - F.W. Thayer
Patent Number 200,358 The first catchers mask was invented by Fred Thayer. It had simple forehead and chin rests and the padding was made from “imported dog skin,” and was made to insulate the steel-mesh frame from the catcher’s face. |
Schaap Mask (1883) - A.K. Schaap
Patent Number 287,331 This mask was made by Alexander Schaap, and was made to remove the wire obstructing the view of the catcher; even though it was weaker than the Thayer Mask. |
Barnard Mask (1888) - G. Barnard
Patent Number 367,278 This mask was invented by George Barnard, and was known as the "Open View" mask because of the wide bars that gave the catcher vision and protection behind the plate. |
Reach Mask (1911) - A.J. Reach
Patent Number 1,012,223 This mask patented by AJ Reach was the first mask to remove the vertical bar that was strong and durable enough to give better vision to the catcher. |
Goldsmith Mask (1923) - H Goldsmith
Patent Number 1,475,991 This mask invented by Hugo Goldsmith was padded around the frame with two cross bars horizontal across the mask. This mask introduced the mesh and carbon-steel wires that are still used in masks today. |