1922 Vintage Baseball Star: Clevelands Larry Gardner

This photograph features Larry Gardner, a notable baseball player for the Cleveland American League team, captured in 1922 by the Bain News Service. Gardner, primarily a third baseman, made significant contributions to Major League Baseball during his career, which spanned from 1912 to 1938. His time with the Cleveland team was marked by impressive stats, including his participation in two World Series championships, highlighting the competitive spirit of baseball in the early 20th century.

The 1920s were a transformative era for baseball, characterized by the rise of star players and the establishment of the sport as America’s pastime. Gardner’s career reflects the transition in baseball from the dead-ball era to a more dynamic style of play, which included an increase in home runs and fan engagement. This image offers a glimpse into both the athletes life and the cultural impact of baseball in the 1920s, showcasing how the games evolution mirrored broader social changes in the United States.