Holbert, Catcher, Brooklyn Bridegrooms, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

This is a photographic print of catcher Holbert of the Brooklyn Bridegrooms baseball team, made around 1888 by Goodwin & Company. The image belongs to a series inserted in packs of Old Judge Cigarettes. The sepia tone and small format speak to the industrial processes of mass image production, aimed at the burgeoning consumer culture of the late 19th century. These cards weren't made to last, and they were conceived as promotional ephemera. Yet, they were collected and treasured. This tension between disposability and value is central to understanding the piece. Photography itself was a relatively new technology at the time, straddling the line between art and industry. The image quality isn't spectacular, but this artifact provides a fascinating window into the history of labor, leisure, and material culture. It reminds us that everyday objects can be invaluable historical documents.