Historic First Pitch at Polo Grounds, 1917

This photograph captures a momentous occasion at the Polo Grounds in New York on April 11, 1917, where General Leonard Wood made history by throwing the first baseball of the season. As a prominent military figure and the former Chief of Staff of the United States Army, Wood’s participation exemplified the strong ties between baseball and American culture during this period. The Polo Grounds, renowned for hosting baseball games, was a gathering place for fans and a significant venue in the sports history.

The event marked the kickoff of the baseball season, a tradition that continues today. General Woods ceremonial first pitch was symbolic, reflecting a time when the nation was grappling with the entry into World War I. Baseball served as a form of entertainment and national unity, providing a crucial respite from the mounting tensions of global conflict. This photo, captured by a Bain News Service photographer, encapsulates not just a game, but a moment when sports intersected with national identity.