ARMY & NAVY: Admiral of Air & Water

ARMY & NAVY

During the Army-Navy football game of 1894, the midshipmen set up a wild shout when a Navy player wearing a football helmet trotted out on the field and took his place in the line. In those days football players wore neither numbers nor helmets. So from his conical headgear the midshipmen knew who the player was and that his skull had been injured earlier in the year. "Reeves!" they shouted, "Bull Reeves!" And when Navy won (6-4), the midshipmen gave"Bull" Reeves credit for having saved the game.

Thus Joseph Mason...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!