1916 St. Louis Browns Player: A Baseball Legacy

This historical photograph captures an unidentified baseball player from the St. Louis Browns, likely taken in 1916. The St. Louis Browns were a charter member of the American League, established in 1901. During this period, the team was known for its passionate fan base and fierce rivalries, particularly with the St. Louis Cardinals, their local counterparts. The image represents a slice of early 20th-century baseball, a time when the sport was beginning to cement its place as Americas pastime.

The player in the photograph is probably Del Pratt, a notable second baseman who played for the Browns during the 1910s, although some researchers suggest it might be Hank Severeid, a catcher for the team. Both players were key figures in the franchise’s history, with Pratt known for his solid fielding and offensive skills, while Severeid made his mark as a dependable backstop. This image not only captures an individual athlete but also reflects the spirit and evolution of baseball during a transformative era in American sports history.