1913 Chicago NL Baseball Star in Action

This historical photograph features Tom Needham, a prominent player for the Chicago National League baseball team, taken in 1913. At that time, Needham was part of a Cubs roster that boasted a mix of emerging talent and seasoned players, reflecting the team’s evolving dynamics during the early 20th century. His presence on the field during this era, characterized by both competition and camaraderie, showcases the development of baseball as America’s pastime, as well as the significance of team sports in the national landscape.

Originally noted simply as “Cubs” in the caption, the details of this photograph were later validated by the Pictorial History Committee of the Society for American Baseball Research in 2006. This serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to accurately document sports history, revealing how even small details, like player identification, are crucial to understanding the broader context of major leagues in American sports history. Overall, this image is a snapshot of a specific moment in baseball and reflects the legacy of players like Needham, who contributed to the Cubs and the sport during a transformative time.