1922-23 Negro League Photo

[Archive]

Posted By: Rhys

I recently picked up a Negro League photo which is pictured below. I have been able to positively identify James "Candy" Taylor in the front row center but that is it. His inclusion coupled with the T on the jersey would make this either a Toledo Tigers team photo or a Cleveland Tate Stars photo from 1922 or 1923. Does anyone here recognize any of the other players or know if the man in the formal hate is a team owner. How about the stadium? Any help would be appreciated.

Rhys Yeakley

[Archive]

Posted By: Brian C.

The team played at Swayne Field. The Tigers existed for only a few months, starting off in May 1923 and disbanding in July 1923. I'm not aware of there being any big names on the club. One website I saw describes the Tigers as a "fringe" team.

[Archive]

Posted By: Dan Bretta

Just from the limited amount of grandstands you can see it does not appear to look like Swayne Field. Swayne looks a bit bigger.

[Archive]

Posted By: Rhys

I was thinking all along that it might be the Cleveland Tate Stars named for their owner. If I could find a photo of Mr. Tate and compare it to the guy standing at the back in street clothes that would probably be the definitive answer to which team it was.

Rhys

[Archive]

Posted By: CarltonHendricks

The ground floor bleachers are steeper and it looks like there are more of them in Dan's Swayne Field photo. Sounds like this team is the Cleveland Tate Stars. Even the slightest hint would help. I tried blowing up the photo but couldn't make out anything. Rhys, If you haven't already, take out a magnify glass and look real close into the background for anything. What does that poster say to the left of the player in the back row on the far left? Is that a Krispy Kream stand I see off on the right?

I called John Orban in Cleveland to get him to look at it, he's from Cleveland and very knowledgable about antique sports memorabilia.

[Archive]

Posted By: Rhys

Thanks Carlton. I tried to look at the white signs posted on the pillars but I cant make it out. They could also be at an "away" stadium. I appreciate the efforts guys!

Rhys