Crooks, 2nd Base, St. Louis Whites, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

Goodwin & Company produced this Old Judge Cigarettes trading card of C. Crooks, 2nd Baseman for the St. Louis Whites, around 1888. These cards emerged during a period of rapid industrialization and urbanization in America, and captured the growing popularity of baseball as a national pastime. The card offers a glimpse into the performance of masculinity and commerce of the late 19th century. Crooks is presented in a moment of action, embodying strength, skill, and athleticism. These images were both a celebration of athleticism and tools for marketing cigarettes. The image creates a narrative that associates the consumption of tobacco with the virility and success exemplified by these athletes. This card reminds us of the intricate ways in which identity, commerce, and cultural values intertwine. It serves as a reminder of the stories we tell ourselves about who we are, and the roles that advertising and popular culture play in shaping those narratives.