1912 St. Louis Browns Outfielder at Hilltop Park

This photograph captures Pete Compton, an outfielder for the St. Louis Browns, taken in 1912 at Hilltop Park in New York City. Hilltop Park was the home of the New York Highlanders, who would later become known as the New York Yankees. This venue was notable for being the first ballpark in New York City to be built for the exclusive use of professional baseball. As a player represented in this image, Compton stands as a part of the rich tapestry of early 20th-century baseball, a sport that was rapidly gaining popularity across the United States.

Compton, who played in the Major Leagues from 1910 to 1913, was known for his speed and defensive skills. During his time with the Browns, he participated in a league marked by significant changes, including the introduction of new rules and a growing fanbase. This era was pivotal for Major League Baseball, as it started to lay the groundwork for what would become Americas pastime. The photograph itself, produced as a glass negative by the Bain News Service, serves as a visual document, capturing not just Compton’s likeness but also offering a window into the baseball culture of that time. The careful preservation of such images allows us to appreciate the evolution of the sport and its players.