Joseph P. "Joe" Crotty, Catcher, Sioux City Corn Huskers, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1889

This photographic print of Joseph Crotty, a baseball player for the Sioux City Cornhuskers, was made in the United States around 1888, as part of a series of baseball cards for Old Judge Cigarettes. Baseball cards like these emerged from a culture of collecting that took off in the late 19th century. They were originally included in cigarette packs as a way to stiffen them and protect the product. But they quickly became a popular marketing tool, capitalizing on the growing popularity of professional baseball. What started as a functional insert evolved into a collectible item that blurred the lines between advertising, sport, and popular culture. These cards reflect the increasing commercialization of leisure activities and the use of celebrity endorsements, and were also a means of promoting ideals of athleticism and American identity. Studying these cards today involves delving into archives, team histories, and advertising records. They offer insights into the social and cultural values of the late 19th century, revealing how institutions shape our perceptions of sports and celebrity.