HIGH BALL



I was asked a long time ago if I have "high ball" (drink in a tall glass)

before 1898. I spotted a few in my files on illustrated baseball language.



24 May 1890, National Police Gazette, pg. 7, cols. 1-2.

"One ball" is shown as a man taking a drink. "Two balls" is a mother

with two kids. "Three balls" is the pawnbroker sign.



14 June 1890, National Police Gazette, pg. 6, cols. 3-4.

"A missed ball" is a man taking another's drink.



21 June 1890, National Police Gazette, pg. 7, cols. 3-4.

"A high ball" is a man reaching for a drink, handed to him from a high

window. "A ball over the fence" is a drink handed over the fence.



12 July 1890, National Police Gazette, pg. 7, col. 2.

"One ball!" is a man taking one drink.



16 August 1890, National Police Gazette, pg. 7, cols. 3-4.

"A waste ball" is someone pouring out the good stuff. "A high ball" is

someone drinking while standing on a ladder. "A low ball" is someone drinking

while sitting in the gutter.



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