1912 St. Louis Baseball Star: LaPorte in Action

This historical photograph, dating back to 1912, features Frank LaPorte, an important figure in early 20th-century baseball. LaPorte played primarily as a first baseman and was known for his time with teams like the St. Louis Browns and the New York Yankees. The image captures an era when baseball was solidifying its place as Americas pastime, with players like LaPorte gaining recognition for their contributions to the sport.

Taken as part of the George Grantham Bain Collection, this nitrate negative serves as a significant artifact from the period. LaPortes career spanned the late 1900s and early 1910s, a time of great change in baseball, marked by expanding leagues and the introduction of new playing styles. The research conducted by the Society for American Baseball Research highlights the importance of accurate representation of historical figures in sports, ensuring that players like LaPorte are remembered for their roles in shaping the history of baseball.