Cubs historical sleuthing: An unusual photo angle

Here’s a photo from Wrigley Field from an angle I’ve never seen before.

I mean... it looks like whoever was playing shortstop that day said, “Hey, wait a minute for me, I need to take this photo of you guys!” (The original photo is linked in this article.)

And who’s that guy standing behind the umpire?

Let’s answer that question first. Pat Pieper, who was the Cubs’ public-address announcer from 1916-74, did the task from a chair behind the plate through the 1967 season. So it had to be no later than that. And I don’t think I’ve ever before seen a photo of Pieper “in action” like that.

Also, the unique numbering style shown on the hitter was worn by the Phillies from 1950 through 1969, so it’s…