1913 Roy Hartzell: Early New York AL Baseball Star

This photograph from 1913 features Roy Hartzell, a significant figure in early American baseball, capturing a moment in the storied past of the New York AL baseball team. Hartzell, a versatile player known for his time as a third baseman and outfielder, contributed to the growth of baseball during a period marked by the sports rapid rise in popularity. His involvement with the New York team situates him within a key chapter in Major League Baseballs history, as the league evolved into the national pastime we recognize today.

Taken by the Bain News Service, this image serves as a snapshot of an era when baseball was beginning to establish its cultural foothold in America. The attention given to players like Hartzell illustrates the increasing interest in documenting the lives of sports figures. This practice would later lead to the extensive archival efforts we see today, ensuring that the legacy of early baseball players remains accessible to future generations. The photograph not only highlights Hartzells role in the game but also reflects the broader narrative of baseballs development in the early 20th century.