From a delightfully interesting slim volume, “And in Whose Hills You Shall Mine Copper: Historic Diaries of the Copper Country 1845 to 1910,” a random sports-related entry to share with you.

Aug. 5, 1897 – “Umpire Edgar Whitting shouldered an imposing shotgun to enforce his rulings at the base-ball game last night. All his decisions were accepted willingly and with much enthusiasm by the base-ball players and attending crowd.”