Doc Bushong

Doc Bushong baseball card from 1888 Old Judge Cigarettes

Albert John Bushong (September 15, 1856 – August 19, 1908), commonly known as Doc Bushong, was a 19th-century Major League Baseball catcher and a dentist. He played for various teams from 1875 to 1890, most notably for the Brooklyn Bridegrooms, with whom he won the 1889 American Association championship. Bushong is remembered for his contributions to the development of baseball equipment, specifically the catcher's mitt.

Early Life and Education

Albert John Bushong was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1856. He pursued higher education with an interest in dentistry, earning his dental degree. However, his passion for baseball led him to a dual career, balancing his professional obligations as a dentist with his commitments to baseball.

Baseball Career

Bushong's baseball career began in the mid-1870s. He made his professional debut in 1875 with the Philadelphia Athletics. Over the next fifteen years, Bushong played for several teams, including the St. Louis Browns, the Cleveland Blues, and the Brooklyn Bridegrooms, among others. His tenure in baseball was marked by his defensive skills behind the plate. Bushong was known for his strong arm and his ability to manage pitchers, contributing significantly to his teams' defensive strategies.

One of Bushong's most notable contributions to the game was his role in the evolution of the catcher's mitt. In the early days of baseball, catchers played without gloves or with minimal hand protection. Bushong was among the first to use a padded glove, which eventually evolved into the modern catcher's mitt. This innovation greatly reduced the physical toll on catchers and improved their ability to catch pitches, particularly the faster and more erratic ones.

Championship and Legacy

In 1889, Bushong was a key player for the Brooklyn Bridegrooms, who won the American Association championship. His performance during the season and in the championship series solidified his reputation as one of the era's leading catchers.

After retiring from baseball, Bushong continued his dental practice. He passed away in 1908, leaving behind a legacy as both a pioneering baseball player and a dedicated dentist. His contributions to the development of baseball equipment, especially the catcher's mitt, have had a lasting impact on the game.

Death and Posthumous Recognition

Doc Bushong died on August 19, 1908. Although he has not been inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, his innovations and contributions to the sport, particularly in the area of protective equipment for catchers, remain a significant part of his legacy.