Historic 1913 Baseball Star at Polo Grounds, NY

This image features Ernie Krueger, a baseball player from Cleveland, Alabama, captured at the iconic Polo Grounds in New York in 1913. The Polo Grounds had a rich history as a baseball venue, serving as the home field for several teams, including the New York Giants. During this period, baseball was evolving, attracting larger crowds and becoming a staple of American culture. Krueger, who played primarily as an outfielder, was part of a generation that experienced the sports transformation into a professional powerhouse.

The photograph is a glass negative produced by the Bain News Service. Initially cataloged with the misidentified name “Kruger, Cleve,” further research by the Pictorial History Committee of the Society for American Baseball Research in 2006 helped clarify this error. Such corrections are important for historical accuracy and reflect the ongoing efforts to document the rich tapestry of baseball history. This image serves as a fascinating snapshot of a pivotal moment in the early 20th century, showcasing the players and the environment that shaped the game we recognize today.