P. Jacob "Jack" Kenyon, Catcher, Des Moines Prohibitionists, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

This is P. Jacob "Jack" Kenyon, Catcher, Des Moines Prohibitionists, a baseball card produced by Goodwin & Company for Old Judge Cigarettes. It was made in 1888, during an era defined by both the rise of baseball and the aggressive marketing tactics of the tobacco industry. More than just a simple portrait, this card reflects the intertwining of sport, commerce, and identity. Kenyon is presented as an aspirational figure during a time when professional athletes were becoming increasingly idolized. His association with the "Prohibitionists" hints at the cultural debates surrounding morality and leisure in late 19th-century America. These cards were designed to be collected and traded, turning individuals like Kenyon into commodities, and the athletes became tokens of fandom. Consider how the circulation of these images contributed to the construction of celebrity and the commercialization of sport. It’s a fascinating glimpse into how our heroes are made and sold.