Clarence Algernon "Cupid" Childs, 2nd Base, Philadelphia, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

This baseball card featuring Clarence Algernon "Cupid" Childs, was made by Goodwin & Company for Old Judge Cigarettes. These cards, popular in the late 19th century, served as promotional items for the tobacco company, targeting a growing audience of baseball enthusiasts. This image creates meaning through a mix of visual codes and historical associations. Made in the United States, this card reflects the burgeoning popularity of baseball as a national pastime, which rose with the growth of industrial capitalism. It also illuminates the era's marketing strategies, wherein consumer goods were promoted through collectible cards. Such cards became instrumental in shaping perceptions of athletes and constructing a heroic narrative around them. Historical records, advertising archives, and sports publications would offer more insight into the card's significance. By delving into the social context of this collectible, we can better understand its role in shaping cultural values.