1906 Chicago NL Pitching Star in Action

This historical photograph features Ed Reulbach, a prominent pitcher for the Chicago National League baseball team during the 1906 season. Known for his exceptional skill on the mound, Reulbach was a key player in what would become one of the most successful eras for the Chicago Cubs. That year, he contributed to the team’s remarkable performance, which culminated in a 116-win season—a record that stood for over a century.

Reulbach was notable not just for his pitching prowess but also for being one of the first pitchers in Major League Baseball to employ a split-finger fastball effectively. His technique was innovative for its time, and it helped change the dynamics of pitching strategies in the sport. The photo, captured by the Bain News Service, serves as a visual documentation of an athlete who played a significant role in early 20th-century baseball and reflects the burgeoning popularity of the sport during that era.

The year 1906 was a standout moment in baseball history, marked by the fierce rivalry between the Cubs and the White Sox, which led to the first Chicago City Series. This image of Reulbach not only captures a talented player in action but also symbolizes a pivotal time in baseball history when the game began to solidify its status as Americas favorite pastime.