Carmine Texas Charles Adams Baseball Military Style Hat Uniform 1909 Real Photo Postcard

The uniform's sailor collar, a common feature in early baseball attire, places this image in the late 19th or early 20th century, a period when baseball was rapidly professionalizing and uniforms were evolving to reflect team identity. The prominent "C" and star emblem on the chest signify a specific team or club, with the "C" likely representing a city (such as Chicago or Cincinnati) or a collegiate/amateur organization, and the star potentially denoting a specific achievement, league affiliation, or design element. The cap, featuring a distinct winged insignia, further reinforces this sense of specific team branding.

This era marked baseball's ascendance as America's national pastime, with local teams fostering community pride and players becoming celebrated figures. Uniforms, beyond mere practicality, served as powerful visual symbols of allegiance and identity for both players and fans. Such studio portraits were popular for documenting individual athletes, contributing to the sport's growing public image and cultural footprint.