Lawrence Grant "Larry" Twitchell, Pitcher, Cleveland, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

This card, printed by Goodwin & Company, immortalizes Lawrence Grant Twitchell, a pitcher for Cleveland. It's made from paper, mass-produced as a promotional item for Old Judge Cigarettes. The card's sepia tones are a result of the photogravure process used for printing in the late 19th century. It was an advanced technique at the time, involving transferring a photographic image onto a metal plate and then using acid to etch the image, enabling detailed reproductions. It allowed for mass production, turning baseball players into commodities. Consider the skilled labor involved. From the photographers capturing the players, to the technicians etching the printing plates, and the factory workers churning out the cards to be included with cigarette packs. It reflects a society where leisure, sports, and even personal habits like smoking were increasingly interwoven with industrial production and capitalist enterprise. This humble paper card reminds us how deeply material culture reflects labor, commerce, and the spirit of an era. It challenges the distinction between collectible ephemera and historical artifact.