Shomberg, 1st Base, Indianapolis, from the series Old Judge Cigarettes 1887

This photographic print of Shomberg, the first baseman for Indianapolis, was produced by Goodwin & Company as part of the Old Judge Cigarettes series. Made in 1887, this image is not merely a depiction of an athlete; it's a cultural artifact reflecting the burgeoning commercialization of sports. Baseball, rapidly gaining popularity in the late 19th century, found itself intertwined with the burgeoning advertising industry. Cigarette companies like Goodwin & Company recognized the marketing potential of associating their product with the wholesome image of baseball. The photo's composition, with Shomberg posed against a plain backdrop, emphasizes his individual skill, while the cigarette brand emblazoned below highlights the commercial transaction taking place. To understand this image fully, one must delve into the archives of advertising history and the records of early baseball leagues. Such research reveals the complex interplay between sport, commerce, and the construction of American identity during this period. The meaning of this image is contingent on its socio-economic context.