June 23, 1882 Harvard Class of 1882 vs Harvard Class of 1877 Class Day Scorecard with Fred Thayer and James Tyng

1882 Harvard "Class Day" baseball scorecard for a game between Harvard's classes of 1877 and 1882. This scorecard is of special historical significance as included among the players in the preprinted lineup for Harvard are both team captain Fred Thayer and Jim Tyng. According to most historians, Fred Thayer is credited with having invented the catcher's mask in the spring of 1877, at which time it was first worn by Harvard catcher Jim Tyng. While a number of people challenged Thayer's claim of invention at the time, he did receive a patent for it in 1878. The scorecard (5.25 x 8.75 inches, unfolded) is unscored and displays moderate toning and a small crease on the front. Very Good condition overall.