Photograph

Well before the year 1900, baseball was already known as the American national game. Once a simple pastime for boys, it evolved in the 19th century into a commercialized spectator amusement operated by promoters and played by professionals within a nationwide, monopolistic structure called Organized Baseball. The game's history reflects much of the concurrent history of the United States, and American interest in the game has grown exponentially since its beginnings. In the early 20th century, small town teams often posed for formal team photographs, and very enthusiastic players might have a formal individual photograph made. In the early 1900s, people often made photographs into postcards, to mail to family and friends. This little boy was obviously happy and proud to wear his baseball uniform and pose for a photo. Undoubtedly his parents mailed it to other family members.