You might think that all professional athletes are well paid. And while that's mostly true today, it hasn't always been the case. 

While players like Babe Ruth and Ted Williams were compensated well, they weren't remotely the wealthy individuals their fame and talent might command today. In reality, most professional players worked winter jobs, or even full-time jobs in addition to their playing duties to make ends meet. 

Still, that didn't stop them from giving their all to the sport they loved. 

Here are 25 photos of players from before they were paid like gods.