Antedating of "Spitball"

[Fred Shapiro]

spitball (OED, 2., 1905)

1903 _L.A. Times_ 31 Aug. 10 (ProQuest)  "The spit ball" came up for
discussion at a recent fanning bee participated in by Russ Hall, Umpire
Jim McDonald and a number of the Seattle talent.  "Loucks, who used to
play here has acquired the 'spit ball' and is very effective with it,"
ventured Byers.

Fred Shapiro


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