1912 Kansas City Blues Baseball Star Portrait

This historical photograph features Frank Schaller, a baseball player for the Kansas City Blues in the American Association during the early 20th century. Taken in 1912, this image captures a pivotal moment in a baseball era that was rapidly evolving. The American Association, where Schaller played, served as a significant league during this time, providing a platform for talented players to showcase their skills and sometimes transition to the major leagues.

Schaller was part of a vibrant baseball culture that included teams from cities across the Midwest. His time with the Kansas City Blues highlights how cities like Kansas City played an essential role in the growth of baseball as America’s pastime. The photograph, produced by the Bain News Service, utilized glass negatives, a common practice of the time, to provide clear and detailed images that documented the lives of athletes and the sports they played.

Documents from the time period, including this photograph, serve as valuable records that help us understand the sports history and its players. They illustrate the dedication and talent of those involved in baseball, contributing not just to sports history, but also to a broader narrative of American culture in the early 1900s.