George W. McVey, Catcher, St. Joseph Clay Eaters, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1889

This small photographic print of George W. McVey, catcher for the St. Joseph Clay Eaters, was produced in 1889 by Goodwin & Company, as part of the "Old Judge" series of baseball cards included in cigarette packs. In late 19th century America, baseball was rapidly growing in popularity, with professional teams forming across the country. Companies like Goodwin recognized the marketing potential and produced these cards to boost sales. But this mass production of collectible cards also participated in the making of baseball as a national sport with its own heroes and visual culture. These cards offer insights into the commercialization of sports and the evolving relationship between advertising, leisure, and American identity. By examining such cards, alongside newspapers, advertisements, and other cultural artifacts, we can better understand the social and economic forces that shaped the rise of baseball and its place in American society.