1919 Candid: Broadways Frohman Meets Baseballs Donlin

This glass negative from 1919 captures a moment between two prominent figures of the early twentieth century: Daniel Frohman, a significant Broadway producer, and Mike Donlin, a renowned baseball player of the time. Frohman was instrumental in shaping American theater, producing works that would go on to become classics. Meanwhile, Donlin, often remembered as one of the first baseball players to gain celebrity status, transitioned from the baseball diamond to the stage, showcasing how sports and entertainment often intertwined during this era.

Taken by Bain News Service, this photograph serves as a snapshot of an intriguing period in American entertainment and sports history. The image illustrates the cultural cross-pollination that occurred in the 1910s, highlighting how individuals like Frohman and Donlin bridged the gap between two worlds. This connection reflects the growing popularity of both Broadway and baseball, two cornerstones of American leisure activities during this transformative time. The corrected title, provided by the Pictorial History Committee of the Society for American Baseball Research in 2006, underscores the importance of accurate historical documentation, allowing us to appreciate the influence both men had on shaping their respective fields.