Primer Dugout (and link of the day) 12-4-2012

Honolulu Star-Bulletin, December 4, 1912:

When Albert Billings kicked his cork leg across the home plate in the ninth inning of a game at Canfield, Colo., the score being a 5 to 5 tie, the umpire called the runner safe…Umpire Jerry Carter consulted the rule book, declared that there was no precedent, and held to his decision.
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The shortstop tossed the ball to the catcher, ten feet ahead of the runner, the cork leg flew off and crossed the plate, while the owner of the leg dropped to the ground. The catcher stepped out and tagged the prone figure, but the umpire was watching closely and ruled that the foot at the end of the cork leg touched the base.

Man, talk about a knotty problem. I’d have called the guy out, but that’s just me.