During the winter of 1918-1919 the Spanish Flu ravaged the world killing hundreds of millions of people. While some things have changed over the last hundred years, some things have not. During the California Winter League of professional baseball season of 1918-19, the epidemic was particularly bad in the area leaving promotors wondering what to do. Instead of "social distancing" they went ahead with a game on January 26, 1919 between the Pasadena and Standard Murphy baseball teams met in Pasadena. All players, umpires, scorekeepers, police officer and fans were required to wear masks the entire game! It was reported that police officers were on hand ready to give $50 tickets to anyone who "even for a moment" removed their facial covering. The offered photograph shows famous PCL clown and ballplayer Carl Sawyer and the mascot for the game, a dog, both wearing masks. Sawyer's has some editorial markings for publication but the mask on the dog is awesome! Issued by the Central News Service and with a full paper caption, the photo has some wear but it presents well and is being offered here for the first time ever!

Size: 8x10
Designation: Vintage 1
Condition: 1/5
Quality: 5/5
Overall Grade: 6/10