1920 Chicago Baseball Star in Action

This striking photograph captures Ray Schalk, a notable baseball player for the Chicago White Sox, in 1920. Known for his exceptional skills as a catcher, Schalk was pivotal in the early years of Major League Baseball, especially during the 1910s and 1920s. His sharp intuition behind the plate and solid batting skills earned him a reputation that would resonate with fans and peers alike. By 1920, he had already won a World Series title with the White Sox in 1917 and was becoming a respected figure in the game.

The image, created as a glass negative by a photographer from the Bain News Service, reflects the early 20th-century technology used in capturing significant moments in sports history. Glass negatives were commonly used at the time due to their clarity and detail. This particular year, 1920, was also notable for the Chicago White Sox, as they were at a pivotal point in their franchise history. Schalks presence in the team during this era provides a glimpse into the dynamics of baseball in Chicago and the larger narrative of the sport during a time of growth and transformation.