Gleason, Shortstop, Philadelphia Athletics, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

Curator: Goodwin & Company's "Gleason, Shortstop, Philadelphia Athletics" from 1888 is part of the "Old Judge" series of baseball cards distributed with Old Judge Cigarettes. This daguerreotype print presents Gleason, a shortstop for the Philadelphia Athletics, in a poised stance, ready for action. Editor: You know, the moment I saw it, I got this pang of nostalgia. It's sepia-toned and feels so utterly old-school American, like something out of a Mark Twain novel. But there's a serious undertone too, you know? It's not all just rosy cheeks and baseball. Curator: The "Old Judge" series offers insight into the commodification of athletes and the pervasive reach of the tobacco industry. Contextualizing this work within the rise of baseball as a national pastime and the marketing strategies targeting a burgeoning consumer culture opens interesting lines of inquiry regarding class, masculinity, and American identity at the time. Editor: Absolutely! It makes you think about who’s being included in the narrative, and who's being left out, too. Looking at his expression... he's so focused, almost burdened. Not the joyous exuberance you might expect. Does he even *want* to be selling cigarettes, metaphorically or otherwise? Curator: Indeed. There is a strong argument for considering the athlete's agency. We need to delve into these commercial contexts to unveil power dynamics related to endorsements. Also, thinking about the labor involved in tobacco production alongside baseball's romanticism offers critical friction that enriches interpretations. Editor: Exactly. And the muted tones amplify that. It's not glorifying; it's… documenting, maybe? There's a rawness here, beneath the surface, reminding us of the grit and sweat behind the spectacle. It's like, even heroes get weary. I kind of love it for that. Curator: Understanding Goodwin & Company’s business model and consumer engagement deepens understanding the impact of the piece beyond being just a "baseball card," positioning it as a potent symbol within broader cultural and socio-economic frameworks of that era. Editor: Ultimately, seeing that card really stuck with me; this tension between commercialism and sport. It really makes you appreciate the complexities woven into even the simplest of images. Curator: Absolutely.