“It is a safe bet that before he hangs up his spikes he will rank among the 300 hitters several times more.” (Written about Joe Jackson). Montgomery Times, September 17, 1917, p6. (Also in several other papers)
- Note: Used earlier for track and field runners:
— “Upon his return from his present tour of Europe, Arthur F. Duffey will hang up his spiked shoes and retire permanently from the scenes of his athletic achievements to take up the practice of law.” Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, August 7, 1904. p22
— “J. Gordon Moriarity, the Queensboro cross-country champion, will follow the example of Chucks Ten Eyck of Jamaica, the former P. S. A. L. title holder, and hang up his spikes temporarily.” The Sun (New York), January 31, 1913, p8
No earliest use given in 2009 Dickson Baseball Dictionary
