This prototype card was likely produced for advertising purposes as another like it has never been seen. There is a Reach American League Official baseball behind Bender so there may be some link there.
Bender is shown with other members of the 1917 Philadelphia Phillies. This was Bender’s last full year in the Majors.
Chief Bender’s career spanned the years between 1903 and 1917, square in the heart of the Deadball Era. As an accomplished player on Championship caliber teams he appeared in many of the ephemera sets of the period. This display contains tobacco cards, candy cards, photos,…
Bender warms up pregame. Home Run Baker is standing behind him. This is a known Paul Thompson image. This image was also used to produce the 1913 Tom Barker game card.