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

This albumen silver print titled “Moffet, Pitcher, Indianapolis” was produced in 1888 by Goodwin & Company as part of the “Old Judge Cigarettes” series. These baseball cards were originally packaged with cigarettes, serving as both a promotional tool and a collectible item, reflecting the rise of consumer culture and the commercialization of sports in America. The photograph's composition, with its focus on a single player in action, helped to cultivate a sense of individual celebrity within the team sport. The institutional history of baseball itself plays a role. The late 19th century was a period of professionalization and standardization for the sport, with leagues forming and rules becoming codified. Baseball's growing popularity also reflected broader social trends, like urbanization and the rise of leisure culture. By studying advertisements, newspapers, and other period documents, we can learn more about the intertwined histories of baseball, advertising, and American consumerism.