C W Williamson, Shortstop, Chicago, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887 - 1890

This photographic print of C W Williamson, Shortstop for Chicago, was made in the United States as part of the Old Judge Cigarettes series. It gives us insight into the commercialization of baseball and the role of advertising in shaping popular culture at the end of the nineteenth century. Consider the image's composition: Williamson is centrally positioned, striking a pose that highlights his athleticism. But the card's primary function was promotional. Tobacco companies like Goodwin & Company used baseball imagery to market their products, tapping into the sport's growing popularity. They blurred the lines between athletic achievement and consumerism, embedding baseball within a culture of consumption. To fully understand this image, we need to explore advertising history and baseball's evolution as a professional sport. This is a valuable reminder that art and commerce are deeply intertwined, reflecting the social values of their time.