Pete "Monkey" Hotaling, Center Field, Cleveland, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

This baseball card featuring Pete "Monkey" Hotaling, center field for Cleveland, was produced by Goodwin & Company as part of the Old Judge Cigarettes series in the late 19th century. These cards emerged during a period of industrial expansion and burgeoning consumer culture, reflecting the growing popularity of both baseball and tobacco. Consider the era's social dynamics: baseball was becoming a national pastime, yet opportunities for upward mobility were often limited, especially for working-class individuals. These cards offered a glimpse into a world of heroes, even as they were packaged with products that had their own health and social implications. Hotaling's nickname, "Monkey," while common at the time, carries a complex weight today, reminding us of the casual racism that permeated the era. The image itself, sepia-toned and compact, captures a moment of athletic anticipation. While seemingly simple, it encapsulates a complex intersection of commerce, identity, and the evolving narratives of American culture.