First Gloves: Bill Doak

Unless you’re deep into baseball history, you probably read that title and said “Who?” Or maybe not. Maybe I’m just bad at my job and I’m projecting that onto you.

It’s a bit embarrassing to admit that, despite writing a newsletter focused on baseball history, Bill Doak had escaped my attention until recently. It was only when I began exploring the subject of first baseball gloves that I learned of Doak, and his pitching career, and his innovative glove design that has impacted baseball ever since. Chalk one up for constant learning I guess.

Now that I know about him, let’s pass along some knowledge that some of you may not have, about both Doak and his famous glove.

Bill Doak’s innovative glove. (Courtesy the Matthew Comstock Collection)