Check out that row of batting helmets stretching out behind Ron Fairly on his 1961 Topps card. Though not yet mandatory, players wearing batting helmets, instead of just caps with protective liners underneath, were already pretty common at this time. However, earflaps were still very rare, so helmets could be laid flat upon the ground as they are here.
Apparently the batting helmet wasn't common until the 1950s. The lack of safety in old-time sports is mind boggling.
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