Tools of Ignorance - Around The League 1939-46 DVD

by George W. Case III on Mar 20, 2010 1:41 PM EDT

Hi - just wanted to mention that the phrase "tools of ignorance" referring to catcher's equipment has been attributed to Muddy Ruell and also to the Yankees Hall of Fame catcher, the great Bill Dickey!

My late father and Bill Dickey played against one another and were very friendly - in fact Dickey, at one point in my dad's career when Bill was in the service, told my dad that he often tipped off when he was going to run by tucking his injured shoulder against his body prior to attempting to steal - obviously my father was very appreciative - most major league catcher's were not that observant, but Dickey was!

Now, I'm not certain who actually coined the phrase, "the tools of ignorance" but my dad does mention in the Around The League DVD that Washington Senators catcher Jake Early, ofter referred to catcher's equipment, as the "tools of ignorance" and that the phrase has been used ever since.

By the way, there is COLOR footage of Bill Dickey taking batting practice in Washington in 1940 - Lefty Gomez, was actually pitching batting practice that particular day - how times have changed!!!!!

Tweet Comment 2 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

I bet you could get me some cool vintage s7it.

I will help you with where to send it if you would like?Never seen you here before,I will help fill you in on the rules.Rule number 1,you have to give me something nice to play,rule number 2,you have to give me something almost as nice as 1 and you can play a little longer.Rule number 3,if you want to play you have to pay=ME.Rule number 4,i’m an idiot and your welcome anytime as long as you do not talk about left field=EVER. I think we will get along just fine now that you know the rules.Don’t forget i’m an idiot thats most important rule of all.I do like the tidbits,I would love to hear more about your pop and his baseball career.People don’t pay attention near as much as they should about the way it was.

Oh boy I can't wait,there is going to be a Ho Park in the bullpen.I wonder if we can use the bullpen phone to order condoms with our pizza that will sit next to the keg?I already bought my spurs and chaps.Nevermind my wife found out about the bullpen,who's the Judas?

by cashman bashman on Mar 21, 2010 1:21 AM EDT reply actions

George Case Jr - 1937 - 1947

Thank you for your comments – my dad, George Case Jr, played major league baseball from 1937-1947 with the Washington Senators and Cleveland Indians – led the major leagues in stolen bases (5) consecutive seasons 1939-43 and (6) times led the American League – (4) time American League All-Star 1939, 43,43,45 – life time batting average of .282

The DVD “Around The League 1939-43” consists of FULL COLOR 8 mm “home movie” footage taken by my father during his major league career – a behind the scenes look at major league baseball through the eyes of a big leaguer – I’d be happy to provide ordering information for anyone interested – $32.95 – approximately 40 minutes in length

George Case
case67@verizon.net

George Case III

by George W. Case III on Mar 21, 2010 7:55 AM EDT reply actions