Robinson, Catcher, Philadelphia Athletics, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

Goodwin & Company made this small baseball card for Old Judge Cigarettes sometime in the late 19th century. Here we see Robinson, the catcher for the Philadelphia Athletics. In an era marked by industrial expansion and shifting social norms, baseball emerged as a unifying force, promising both entertainment and a vision of American identity. This card, distributed with cigarettes, speaks to baseball’s growing commercial appeal and its intimate connection with consumer culture. Yet, this image is more than just a portrait of an athlete. It reflects the racial dynamics of the time. Despite baseball's claims of being a national pastime, the sport was largely segregated. While Robinson is depicted here, numerous talented African American players were excluded from professional leagues due to racial prejudice, their stories often untold. This card then invites us to consider the narratives that were promoted, and those that were suppressed, in the making of American sporting history. While offering a nostalgic glimpse into the past, it also serves as a reminder of the complexities and inequalities that have shaped our nation’s identity.