One of the best early career Mathewson photos out there. Mathewson seems to be contemplating what fame and fortune that small orb he holds in his hand will one day bring him. It is very likely this picture was taken at a 1902 photo shoot at the Polo Grounds by a photographer for The Bain News Service. See the newspaper spread with similarly posed images. Note the black outlining at the left edge of our image, it was likely prepped for the article, but ultimately wasn’t used.