Baseball Legend Nap Lajoie with a Hen, 1909

This photograph, taken around 1909, features Nap Lajoie, a prominent figure in baseball history. Lajoie was known for his exceptional skills as a second baseman and was a key player in the early years of Major League Baseball. His impressive career spanned from the late 1890s to the early 1910s, during which he earned the reputation as one of the games top hitters, even leading the American League in batting average multiple times. The image captures Lajoie during the off-season, a time when many players engaged in activities outside of the sport.

In this particular image, Lajoie is seen holding a hen, which adds an intriguing layer to the narrative of a baseball player’s life beyond the diamond. The photograph was produced by the Bain News Service, known for its extensive documentation of American culture and notable personalities during that era. The glass negative format used for this photograph allows for remarkable detail and clarity, preserving a moment that reflects both Lajoie’s personal interests and the everyday life of a professional athlete in the early 20th century.