The photographer, S.F. Skidmore of Bayonne, New Jersey, in his dramatic handwritten script, states that this image was taken September 29, 1913 at the Polo Grounds in New York City. Walter Johnson’s Washington Senators were in New York to play the hometown New York Yankees. This was Johnson’s next to last start of the year and he earned his 35th victory of the year. Johnson’s 1913 campaign is widely regarded as one of, and perhaps the, finest individual pitching seasons in the Modern Era. Indeed his WAR for 1913 was higher than any other pitcher from 1901 to date. This image captures him at the pinnacle of his career.

A local newspaper account in 1913 notes that Skidmore was an expert at action sports photography. This fine action shot of Johnson bears that out.