Sutton, 3rd Base, Boston, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887

This small card, produced in 1887 by Goodwin & Company, is from the Old Judge Cigarettes series and features Sutton, a third baseman for Boston. These cards were inserted into cigarette packs, reflecting the burgeoning advertising industry and the growing popularity of baseball in late 19th-century America. The sepia-toned photograph captures Sutton in action, his stance and the floating ball alluding to the dynamic energy of a baseball game. It's a visual shorthand, relying on the cultural understanding of the sport to convey its message. Cigarette companies like Old Judge used these cards to promote their brands, tapping into the era’s enthusiasm for sports and celebrity culture. This was also a time of significant institutional shifts in both photography and sports. To fully understand this card, we might consult trade publications, advertising archives, and even early baseball records. Each reveals the complex interplay between commerce, culture, and the rise of modern sports. This image isn't just a portrait of a baseball player, it's a snapshot of a society in transition, grappling with new forms of entertainment, media, and consumerism.