The funeral of Ray Chapman was truly a dark day for baseball. On August 17, 1920, the Cleveland Indians shortstop was struck on the side of his head by a pitch in the fifth inning of a game against the Yankees. Ray Chapman died twelve hours later, the only Major Leaguer to lose his life during a ballgame. Chapman was in his ninth season, a fine fielder and very productive hitter who many believe with good reason was on track for the Hall of Fame. It was not to be. His death contributed to the banning of the spitball, and to the first real push for mandatory use of batting helmets. This detailed photo conveys the outpouring of sadness and of sympathy following this tragic event, with elaborate floral arrangements and crowds of mourners. Neatly scripted on back in ink is “$5,000 in floral offerings to Ray Chapman. Floral pieces as they were laid in front of vault at Lake View Cemetery”. This image is 7” x 4 ?”, with desirable Van Oeyen studio stamp and Baseball Magazine seal on reverse. The photo is EX-MT, with one corner margin showing a very tiny dogear.