A.C. Weyhing, Pitcher, Philadelphia Athletics, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

Editor: Here we have "A.C. Weyhing, Pitcher, Philadelphia Athletics," a baseball card from 1888 made by Goodwin & Company for Old Judge Cigarettes. It's a gelatin silver print, sepia toned. It’s interesting how advertising used sports figures. What are your initial thoughts? Curator: Well, immediately, I'm drawn to how this seemingly simple baseball card reflects a crucial moment in the commercialization of sport and the burgeoning advertising industry. We see the intersection of sport, celebrity culture, and tobacco promotion, all neatly packaged within a single image. How does its origin as a promotional item for cigarettes impact your interpretation? Editor: It definitely makes me think about how our understanding of athleticism and health has changed. The cigarette advertisement seems so out of place now! Does the mass production of these cards have an impact? Curator: Absolutely. The mass production and distribution democratized art and celebrity culture, but it also normalized tobacco use, particularly among young men who idolized these athletes. The accessibility of these images created a public sphere where ideas about sport, health, and consumption were debated. Editor: So, it’s a portrait of an athlete, an advertisement, and a reflection of societal values all rolled into one small card. It makes me consider the power of imagery in shaping public opinion then and now. Curator: Precisely. These cards weren’t just about baseball; they were about shaping ideals and desires within a rapidly changing society. Looking at it through this lens certainly enriches our appreciation for its complexity. Editor: I never thought of it as a lens into the values of that time! Thanks!