Monmouth Illinois Baseball Player Grant 1908 Real Photo Postcard
The baseball player "Grant" for "Monmouth" represents an early 20th-century athlete, a period when baseball was solidifying its place as America's national pastime. His uniform, characterized by the collared jersey with "MONMOUTH" emblazoned across the chest, belted knicker-style pants, and high socks, is typical of baseball attire from the 1900s to the 1920s, prior to major uniform design shifts.
During this era, local and semi-professional teams, often named after their town or county like "Monmouth," were integral to the sport's burgeoning popularity and grassroots development across the United States. Studio portraits of individual players were a common practice, serving as team publicity, personal mementos, and early forms of player recognition before action photography became widespread.
During this era, local and semi-professional teams, often named after their town or county like "Monmouth," were integral to the sport's burgeoning popularity and grassroots development across the United States. Studio portraits of individual players were a common practice, serving as team publicity, personal mementos, and early forms of player recognition before action photography became widespread.
