1922 St. Louis Baseball Pitcher in Action

This historical photograph captures Ray Kolp, an influential baseball player from St. Louis, taken in 1922 by the Bain News Service. Kolp, a right-handed pitcher, played for several teams during his career in Major League Baseball, including the St. Louis Cardinals. His time in the league represented a significant era for baseball, as it transitioned into the more organized and professional sport we recognize today. Captured in this striking image, Kolps expression reflects the dedication and intensity of athletes of his time.

The photograph was initially misidentified, labeled as Kelp in the original files. It wasnt until 2006 that the Pictorial History Committee of the Society for American Baseball Research corrected this mistake. This detail highlights the importance of accurate historical documentation and research in preserving the legacies of sports figures. The image is part of the George Grantham Bain Collection, which consists of photographs chronicling American life and its cultural milestones, including historic sports moments like Kolp’s pitching career.