Take Me Out to the Ball Game!
Mar 31, 2011
By Elizabeth Borja
We're used to seeing baseball players in a wide range of jerseys and uniforms, but none quite like this. In the late 1950s, players took to the field of the U.S. Naval Air Material Center in Philadelphia wearing a different uniform—B.F. Goodrich Mark IV spacesuits. Photographs of this event were found in the Archives Division's Frederick Clark Durant Collection (Acc. No. XXXX-0084).
At the U.S. Naval Air Material Center in Philadelphia, a player swings a baseball bat in a B.F. Goodrich Mark IV spacesuit.
The game was staged as a flexibility demonstration for the spacesuit. The final score of the baseball game is unknown, but the Mark IV would evolve to become the original Project Mercury spacesuit, a definite home run!
At the U.S. Naval Air Material Center in Philadelphia, a player swings a baseball bat in a B.F. Goodrich Mark IV spacesuit.
There's only one thing left to say as the season begins... Play ball!
Related Topics
You may also like
Related Objects
We rely on the generous support of donors, sponsors, members, and other benefactors to share the history and impact of aviation and spaceflight, educate the public, and inspire future generations. With your help, we can continue to preserve and safeguard the world’s most comprehensive collection of artifacts representing the great achievements of flight and space exploration.