Did you know that the mask that protects catchers from little leage all the way up to the Majors was inspired by fencing?

Taking his inspiration from the fencing mask, Thayer designed a mask that added a forehead pad and chin rest to help absorb the impact of the ball. He also replaced the fine wire mesh of the fencing mask with a “birdcage” face protector that improved visibility.

This was reported in Wired - http://www.wired.com/science/discoveries/news/2008/02/dayintech_0212 from Fencing.Net form member DJ Apostrophe.

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