1918: Police Commissioner Enright at Polo Grounds

This photograph features New York City Police Commissioner Richard Enright and his wife at the Polo Grounds, an iconic venue in Manhattan known for hosting baseball games, including those of the New York Giants. Taken in 1918, this image highlights a significant intersection of public figures and community events during a time when baseball was becoming a staple of American culture. The Polo Grounds was not only a sports locale but also a gathering place for influential New Yorkers, emphasizing the role of community leaders in the social fabric of the city.

Commissioner Enright served as the head of the New York City Police Department during a challenging period marked by World War I and social change. His presence at the Polo Grounds alongside his wife showcases how officials engaged with the public in these communal spaces, furthering their connection to everyday citizens. The photograph itself is part of the Bain News Service archive, a notable source for early 20th-century news images, capturing moments that reflect the zeitgeist of the era. The verified date and context provided by the Pictorial History Committee of the Society for American Baseball Research deepen our understanding of the historical significance of such moments in New Yorks vibrant civic life.