Shreve, Pitcher, Indianapolis, from the series Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

Goodwin & Company produced this photograph of Shreve, a pitcher for the Indianapolis baseball team, as part of the "Old Judge Cigarettes" series. These cards, distributed with cigarette packs, were a clever marketing strategy tapping into the burgeoning popularity of baseball in the late 19th century. But it's more than just advertising; it's a snapshot of a moment when commercial interests began shaping the cultural landscape. Consider the institutional forces at play: the rise of mass media, the growth of the tobacco industry, and the increasing professionalization of sports. This image creates meaning through its connection to the emerging celebrity culture of the time. For the social historian, these cards offer a glimpse into the values and aspirations of a rapidly changing society. Archival research into the Goodwin Company, the history of baseball, and the social attitudes of the era would enrich our understanding of this seemingly simple photograph.