Jock historian

[JSMike]

I’m surprised you’re able to find surviving examples of all these jocks. I guess it’s a good thing that lots of people never throw anything away.

They not only never throw things away, they also like to sell them years later. Which gives a perfect opportunity to collect images, which I've been doing for decades. Tedious, but at long last it offers some pleasure.

 

[JSMike]

We're up to the 1970s today. Text first, photos at the end.

The 1970s

In 1970 Ball Four by Jim Bouton was published, which mentioned metal cups (pages 35 and 350), the term “jocko” (page 83), and jockstraps (pages 249, 260, 345 and 393).

A 1970 ad has a photo of Pete Rose at bat, with text reading, “Whatever your sport, take a word from batting champ Pete Rose: BIKE.” At the right is a photo of the box, which has a small Bike jock depicted. From Bike/Kendall.

A 1971 Bike ad shows a Pro 10 jock, and B&W images of 7 jocks and cups. Kendall company.

In 1971 Joe Frazier wore a Bauer & Black Pal jockstrap in his March 8th fight with Muhammad Ali. It was later found and auctioned off in the 1990s.

A 1973 ad for the Bike Pro 10 Supporter states, “Recruit better jocks for your team . . . Bike has a better jock strap.”

In 1973 Mad Ducks and Bears by George Plimpton was published, which mentioned jocks and jockstraps (pages 82, 89, 118, 177 and 332-3).

1974 Futuro Health Supports retailer’s handbook depicted a line of 9 styles of jockstrap as well as a display stand for Futuro products.

A 1976 Sports Illustrated ad for the Bauer & Black “Pro-Brief, The Comfortable Jock” reads, “Part-time athletes need all the support they can get.” This is the closest SI ever got to a jockstrap ad.

In 1977 Shadow Box by George Plimpton was published, which mentioned a “foul-protector” or a “foul-proof belt” (pages 26, 141-2, 145), a jockstrap (page 43), and a protective cup (pages 174, 190).

In 1977 Frank J. DiMatteo of Monroeville, Pennsylvania patented his “Protective Device,” the first banana cup for those in the marshal arts. It was quickly adopted as the standard for baseball players as well.

The 1970s saw the following jocks:

Bauer & Black Swimmer Supporter, solid off-white, white label on narrow waistband reading “BAUER & BLACK” (in blue) and “SMALL MADE IN USA” (in red);

Bike No. 58 Deluxe Swim Supporter;

Bike YM10 Boy’s Supporter;

Bike YM53 Boy’s Cup Supporter, multicolored tracer lines on waistband, white label with red text, 2 metal snaps on pouch;

Cooper cup supporter made in Canada

Defender Style 18 Cotton Athletic Supporter, 3” woven cotton waistband. 1” angled leg straps & full mesh pouch by Defender, Inc. Philadelphia, PA;

John B. Flaherty Company’s Flarico No. 110 Athletic Supporter, off-white, soft covered leg straps, white label with black & red lettering reading “FLARICO NO. 110 ATHLETIC SUPPORTER MACHINE WASH AND DRY SMALL 26 to 32 WAIST JOHN B. FLAHERTY CO., Inc. MAKERS SINCE 1896 Made in U.S.A.”

J.B. Flaherty’s Flarico No. 42 cup jock, off-white, soft covered leg straps, white label with black & red text reading, “FLARICO NO. 42 ATHLETIC SUPPORTER MACHINE WASH AND DRY MEDIUM [waist size?] JOHN B. FLAHERTY CO., Inc. MAKERS SINCE 1898;” plastic cup is off-white, 10 ventilation holes (4-3-2-1 pattern), top reads “NO. 50 MADE IN U.S.A.,” blue cushion around the edge;

Grid Youth Supporter, Grid Sports, Jung Corporation, Cincinnati, Ohio;

K-Mart Men’s Athletic Supporter;

MacGregor jock, black label with white lettering on waistband;

Litesome nylon jock for swimmers, 1 green tracer line at top of waistband;

Olympia No. 11 jock from Canada, white label with blue & orange lettering;

WinnWell Model 14C Athletic Support with Protective Cup, 80% Cotton, 10% Rubber, 10% Rayon, from Wellinger & Dunn, Ontario, Canada and Detroit, Michigan; the cup pouch is made of unbleached cotton muslin, lined with cotton flannel, and closes with one metal snap, white plastic cup has 7 ventilation holes in a V formation, tan cushion around the edge, WinnWell Is stamped into the plastic near top of cup, made in Canada.

 

[JSMike]

More jocks from the 1970s.

 

[briefsguy773]

 

[CoachBob]

Prowling through some of the postings I found in Alt.Support.Jockstraps I found this brief account about the draft board physical exams of the 1960's. Anybody remember them? It sort of relates to jockstraps. More importantly, it reminded me of the promise I made about a year ago to post some more info on the history jocks in the US military. Apologies., I'll try to get on it.
.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Schmi...@webtv.net​

unread,
Jul 8, 2002, 5:36:16 PM


to
When I reported for my first draft board physical exam ( I suppose this
is sort of like a doctor visit) there was this group of perhaps 12
cadets being examined for their school ROTC program. Every one of them
were wearing what appeared to be identical jockstraps.
Now the other 200 or so of us spent the day prancing around in just
common, ordinary white briefs.
When it came time for the orthopaedic exercise station, they were
ordered to remove their jocks, and join the rest of us for some nude
calisthenics. It just seemed strange that jockstraps which were
intended for support during strenuous activity had to be removed during
he only exercise activity of the day!

 

[Bike57]

More jocks from the 1970s.

Still have 1 each of these. I still wear the Flarico. Guess that shows how durable these were. One of the 1st jocks I bought on my own was a K-mart brand, but it wasn't near as durable as the Bikes. Many of the store brands were made by major manufacturers with a generic label slapped on them. What I really miss was the GRID jock shown above. The vertical stands of rubber in the pouch were thread covered and woven in a wavey, almost chain link design. They were a really good supportive jock.

 

[Redsucked02]

Prowling through some of the postings I found in Alt.Support.Jockstraps I found this brief account about the draft board physical exams of the 1960's. Anybody remember them? It sort of relates to jockstraps. More importantly, it reminded me of the promise I made about a year ago to post some more info on the history jocks in the US military. Apologies., I'll try to get on it.
.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Schmi...@webtv.net​

unread,
Jul 8, 2002, 5:36:16 PM


to
When I reported for my first draft board physical exam ( I suppose this
is sort of like a doctor visit) there was this group of perhaps 12
cadets being examined for their school ROTC program. Every one of them
were wearing what appeared to be identical jockstraps.
Now the other 200 or so of us spent the day prancing around in just
common, ordinary white briefs.
When it came time for the orthopaedic exercise station, they were
ordered to remove their jocks, and join the rest of us for some nude
calisthenics. It just seemed strange that jockstraps which were
intended for support during strenuous activity had to be removed during
he only exercise activity of the day!

Definitely looking forward to more from you!

 

[Bike57]

The Flarico 110 is my favorite of the classic athletic supporters. Here's one that I still have. As can be seen, it is heavily season.

I think I can smell it from here! Awesome job on the patina on that vintage jock.

 

[Bike57]

View attachment 37482View attachment 37483
Still have 1 each of these. I still wear the Flarico. Guess that shows how durable these were. One of the 1st jocks I bought on my own was a K-mart brand, but it wasn't near as durable as the Bikes. Many of the store brands were made by major manufacturers with a generic label slapped on them. What I really miss was the GRID jock shown above. The vertical stands of rubber in the pouch were thread covered and woven in a wavey, almost chain link design. They were a really good supportive jock.

Found these while looking for a jock for another post. Below is the K-mart version

and a Nylon Bike 59 swimmer

 

[Elasticwrap]

I’d love to see your research. Links please!

Me too, please consider writing a book.

 

[Redsucked02]

I really want to get some vintage Bike jockstraps!
But I'm hesitant to buy on ebay as I'm clueless as to the authenticity of the ages listed! How can I tell? Strap designed colors?

 

[TominRichmond]

Found these while looking for a jock for another post. Below is the K-mart version

View attachment 41548
and a Nylon Bike 59 swimmer

View attachment 41549

View attachment 41552View attachment 41553

The Bauer and Black swimmer jock in 100% nylon had the best shaped pouch. Circa 1978.

 

[Bike57]

The Bauer and Black swimmer jock in 100% nylon had the best shaped pouch. Circa 1978.

That was my first jock for 5th grade PE class. Mine was bought in the 60's and was all that was left on the shelf when it came time to get my PE uniform. It came with a metal diving coin glued to the box. I have not seen images of another one since.

 

[Jobud]

I was introduced to Bike jocks in 7th grade gym class during the 1960s, and though it went underground for years, I have loved them since. Currently I am most interested in the history - when jocks began, and how they changed over the years. I have collected images of jocks, their boxes, and their ads, from the 19th century to the present. My start in this was Allkink's Jockstrap Lockerroom site by Tom Perdue, that I came across in the 1990s. Since then, I believe I have found the invention of the modern jock a decade before the legendary invention of Charles Bennett in 1874. Though I am only an amateur historian, I have tried to be careful about documentation, and I welcome questions about history.

also interested in the evolution and current history of the jock.

 

[pmgckofrnd66]

Dear Coach Bob,

These are really great. I have many jock ads, but not like these. Thanks so much for posting them. I would enjoy seeing more, should you be so inclined.

Regards, Bruce

JSMike and Coach Bob,

Have you ever come across this all-nylon Bike with a 2-1/4" waistband instead of the 1" waistband on the No. 58 and No. 59 swimmers? The label doesn't show a model number, and the only number identificationi on the box is "Code No. 1089".

 

[Strapncap]

JSMike and Coach Bob,

Have you ever come across this all-nylon Bike with a 2-1/4" waistband instead of the 1" waistband on the No. 58 and No. 59 swimmers? The label doesn't show a model number, and the only number identificationi on the box is "Code No. 1089".

View attachment 100847View attachment 100848

Nice full pouch and baseball shirt on as well?

 

[CoachBob]

JSMike and Coach Bob,

Have you ever come across this all-nylon Bike with a 2-1/4" waistband instead of the 1" waistband on the No. 58 and No. 59 swimmers? The label doesn't show a model number, and the only number identificationi on the box is "Code No. 1089".

View attachment 100847View attachment 100848

I can't help you with that one. I looked at the oldest order form from my distributor (1969) and there was no reference to the #1089. Interesting that it was sold when Kendall sold the BIKE line. In the early 70's, BIKE started changes of both ownership and product lines. The rubber/cotton fabric gave way to synthetics and you never knew where a jockstrap would be made. Orders were received from Mexico, Macau, China and the only thing you could count on was that the quality got progressively worse

 

[pmgckofrnd66]

I can't help you with that one. I looked at the oldest order form from my distributor (1969) and there was no reference to the #1089. Interesting that it was sold when Kendall sold the BIKE line. In the early 70's, BIKE started changes of both ownership and product lines. The rubber/cotton fabric gave way to synthetics and you never knew where a jockstrap would be made. Orders were received from Mexico, Macau, China and the only thing you could count on was that the quality got progressively worse

Thanks for looking into it!

 

[briefsguy773]

JSMike and Coach Bob,

Have you ever come across this all-nylon Bike with a 2-1/4" waistband instead of the 1" waistband on the No. 58 and No. 59 swimmers? The label doesn't show a model number, and the only number identificationi on the box is "Code No. 1089".

View attachment 100847View attachment 100848

I could only find it in ads in the early 50's, starting in 1953. It doesn't look like that ever referred to it specifically by the model number. Here it is in top left corner.

 

[CoachBob]

I could only find it in ads in the early 50's, starting in 1953. It doesn't look like that ever referred to it specifically by the model number. Here it is in top left corner.

View attachment 101335

The advertisement is a great find. Possibly from JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND DANCE magazine. By 1970 I think the BIKE #10, the # 59 swim jock, the 3" cup jock, and the plastic cup were about the only thing in production. Also the YM ( youth models) were still in production both regular and in cup/combo models and strong selling items. The #9 jock was the only thing available with a 6" waistband. My distributor still had some metal cups available, but they were probably NOS (new old stock). The #48 replacement cup cushion for the metal cups was also being phased out and I remember several orders for dozens of these from schools which still had metal cups in use. In the 70's BIKE came out with the University model which was a "beefed up" #10. Also, for a short while they made a youth cup jock with a foam rubber soft cup sewn into the pouch. I think these were popular with the first generation of youth soccer players.

 

[ScottTheJockGuy]

The advertisement is a great find. Possibly from JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND DANCE magazine. By 1970 I think the BIKE #10, the # 59 swim jock, the 3" cup jock, and the plastic cup were about the only thing in production. Also the YM ( youth models) were still in production both regular and in cup/combo models and strong selling items. The #9 jock was the only thing available with a 6" waistband. My distributor still had some metal cups available, but they were probably NOS (new old stock). The #48 replacement cup cushion for the metal cups was also being phased out and I remember several orders for dozens of these from schools which still had metal cups in use. In the 70's BIKE came out with the University model which was a "beefed up" #10. Also, for a short while they made a youth cup jock with a foam rubber soft cup sewn into the pouch. I think these were popular with the first generation of youth soccer players.

What do you mean by beefed up?

 

[CoachBob]

What do you mean by beefed up?

Higher thread count. Firmer pouch. More support.

 

[ScottTheJockGuy]

Higher thread count. Firmer pouch. More support.

Ah, okay. Someone from this site gifted me a #10 university. I thought it felt better than my #10, but I also figured that was due to 12 years of wear and tear.

 

[briefsguy773]

The advertisement is a great find. Possibly from JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND DANCE magazine. By 1970 I think the BIKE #10, the # 59 swim jock, the 3" cup jock, and the plastic cup were about the only thing in production. Also the YM ( youth models) were still in production both regular and in cup/combo models and strong selling items. The #9 jock was the only thing available with a 6" waistband. My distributor still had some metal cups available, but they were probably NOS (new old stock). The #48 replacement cup cushion for the metal cups was also being phased out and I remember several orders for dozens of these from schools which still had metal cups in use. In the 70's BIKE came out with the University model which was a "beefed up" #10. Also, for a short while they made a youth cup jock with a foam rubber soft cup sewn into the pouch. I think these were popular with the first generation of youth soccer players.

I haven't been able to find the source. It is not JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND DANCE for sure as that journal had it's title on bottom of both pages. I had thought it was ATHLETIC JOURNAL but couldn't find it there either.

 

[pmgckofrnd66]

I could only find it in ads in the early 50's, starting in 1953. It doesn't look like that ever referred to it specifically by the model number. Here it is in top left corner.

View attachment 101335

Thanks!