Ahead of His Time

Charles "Old Hoss" Radbourn is most famous for his 59 wins as a pitcher for the Providence Grays in 1884. But perhaps Mr. Radbourn's most impressive feat may have been in this 1886 Boston Grays team photo (Radbourn is on the far left in the top row):

What's the big deal you ask? Try looking a little closer...

Some believe that Radbourn may be the first recorded person to flip off the camera in a photograph. What makes it even better is that people are still laughing about his tomfoolery nearly 125 years later. And I'm sure the Old Hoss is out there somewhere still laughing his ass off. And for that, I salute him!

So kids, next time you flip the bird in that family photo, remember to pay tribute to the legend and pioneer who started it all.