Peter Burke "Pete" Wood, Pitcher, Philadelphia, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1889

This small photograph of Peter Burke Wood, a baseball pitcher for Philadelphia, was created in 1889 by Goodwin & Company as a promotional item for Old Judge Cigarettes. These cards were inserted into cigarette packs, becoming wildly popular and reflecting baseball’s rise as America’s pastime. Looking closely, we see Wood posed mid-pitch, his uniform proudly displaying “Phila.” The backdrop, however, is not a stadium but a staged, blurry landscape, highlighting the commercial aspect over authentic sporting documentation. Goodwin & Co., based in New York, capitalized on baseball's burgeoning popularity, turning athletes into marketable figures. This card tells us about late 19th-century America, its burgeoning consumer culture, and the strategies of businesses seeking to associate their products with admired figures. Further research into advertising history and baseball’s cultural impact would reveal more about the societal conditions that shaped the production and reception of these images. Ultimately, this card shows how commercial interests can shape the very representation of sports and its heroes.