Sidney Douglas Farrar, 1st Base, Philadelphia, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

This baseball card of Sidney Douglas Farrar, 1st Base for Philadelphia, was made around 1888 by Goodwin & Company as part of the Old Judge Cigarettes series. Produced in the late 19th century, these cards are early examples of the commercialization of sports heroes, connecting athletic prowess to the burgeoning culture of mass consumption. Note how the image is not just a portrait, but also functions as an advertisement, blurring the lines between fandom and consumerism. The late 1800s in the United States were a time of rapid industrialization and urbanization, witnessing the rise of new forms of leisure and entertainment. Baseball emerged as a popular pastime, fostering a sense of community. To fully grasp this card's significance, we can delve into advertising history and the emergence of baseball as a professional sport. Researching the Goodwin & Company records will reveal more about their marketing strategies. This simple card shows the merging of sport, commerce, and cultural identity.