It is a fact that home runs have decreased dramatically over the past few years, and that trend seems unlikely to change. Managers now have the luxury of bringing in three fireballing relievers which, combined with umpires’ ankle to shoulder strike zones, greatly limits the ability for batters to get a pitch to drive.
The idea of a fifty-homer season will probably join the list of other baseball phenomena that have become extinct in the past three decades, such as complete games, double-headers, and a World Series ending in October. These for the most part were dispensed with through the actions of baseball itself, mostly for financial reasons.
One extinct baseball occurrence, though, has disappeared for reasons beyond the control of America’s pastime. Laser technology has eliminated the use of eyeglasses, a practice that probably reached its peak in the 1970s.
George Torpcero of the 1921 Cardinals was the first position player to wear glasses, which earned him the nickname of Specs. Before him there was Will “Hoop-La” White, who in 1878 was the first pitcher to wear glasses.
Since then a number of players sported eyeglasses, and here is a roster of post WWII stars that frequently used spectacles.
First Base, Frank Howard
The big slugger put up Hall of Fame numbers during the sixties and seventies while playing for the Senators, the Tigers and the Dodgers.
Second Base, Julian Javier
The two-time All-Star enjoyed a lengthy career from 1960-1972, spending all but one season with the Cardinals.
Shortstop, Cookie Rojas
Before becoming a popular coach, Rojas was a stellar infielder for the Phillies of the late sixties and the Royals of the early seventies.
Third Base, Chris Sabo
The 1998 Rookie of the Year went on to make three All-Star teams as a member of the Reds, whom he also helped to win the 1990 World Series.
Left Field, Leon Durham
The native Cincinnatian finished his career with the Reds, but his prime seasons were spent with the Cubs and the Cardinals.
Center Field, Dom DiMaggio
A lifetime.297 hitter, Joltin’ Joe’s brother spent his entire career with the Boston Red Sox.
Right Field, Reggie Jackson
The Hall of Famer was quite a slugger, whose postseason heroics earned him the nickname “Mr. October.”
Catcher, Dave Ricketts
He suited up for the sixties Pirates and seventies Cardinals, playing what had to be the most difficult position for a guy who requires eyeglasses.
Designated Hitter, Dan Ford
“Disco Dan” was an important hitter in the eighties on clubs in Baltimore and Minnesota.
Pitcher, Ryne Duren
The reliable hurler played for eight teams in a ten year career, finishing with the 1965 Washington Senators.
Pitcher, Cecil Upshaw
A key piece of the bullpen, Upshaw helped the 1969 Braves to the first ever N.L. West Division championship.
Pitcher, Eric Gagne
The sensational closer won a Cy Young Award during his tenure with theDodgers of the nineties.
Pitcher, Fred Gladding
Wearing huge black frames, Gladding took the mound in the late sixties and early seventies in Houston and Detroit.