1914 Portrait of Philadelphia Athletics Star Baker

This portrait features John Franklin Baker, a prominent baseball player for the Philadelphia Athletics, captured in 1914. Known for his skill as a third baseman, Baker was a key player during a golden era of baseball. His time with the Athletics was marked by significant achievements, including helping lead the team to three consecutive American League pennants from 1910 to 1912. Bakers contributions to the game were recognized, and he became part of the conversation around the eras best players.

Taken in Philadelphia, the photograph highlights Bakers professional demeanor, dressed in the standard baseball uniform of the time. This image serves as a historic record, illustrating the style and formality athletes maintained even during casual portrait sessions. The details around the photograph, confirmed by baseball history experts, place it firmly in the context of early 20th-century American sports, showcasing the rise of baseballs popularity and the players who shaped it. Baker lived from 1886 to 1963, leaving a legacy in the sport as one of its celebrated figures.