1922 Historical Portrait of Baseballs First Commissioner

This historical photograph features Judge Kenesaw M. Landis, who served as the first Commissioner of Major League Baseball from 1920 to 1944. Captured in 1922 by a photographer from the Bain News Service, Landis is depicted during a pivotal time in baseball history as he worked to restore the integrity of the game following the infamous Black Sox Scandal of 1919. His leadership marked a significant shift in the governance of baseball, emphasizing fairness and discipline across the league.

Landis, a federal judge known for his strict approach, laid down the law with policies aimed at protecting the sports reputation. In the early 1920s, he took a hard stance against gambling and corruption, which had tarnished the games image. His tenure not only elevated the professionalism of baseball but also established the role of Commissioner as a vital component in managing the leagues affairs, a legacy that endures in the sport today. This photograph serves as a silent witness to his influence and the changing landscape of American baseball during a crucial era.