Myers C. Robinson, 3rd Base, Minneapolis, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

This baseball card of Myers C. Robinson, a third baseman for Minneapolis, was created by Goodwin & Company as part of the "Old Judge" series, a marketing campaign for cigarettes in the late 19th century. These cards emerged in a society grappling with industrialization and shifting social norms. The image of Robinson, caught in a moment of athletic readiness, speaks to the burgeoning interest in sports and celebrity culture. There's a palpable sense of idealized masculinity in his poised stance. But consider too, the commodification of this image; Robinson's likeness is being used to sell tobacco, a product that has its own complex history tied to labor, colonialism, and public health. This card asks us to reflect on how identities are constructed, consumed, and circulated within popular culture. It serves as a tiny, yet potent reminder of the intricate web of relationships that shape our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.