J. Arundel, Catcher, Indianapolis, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887

This small card, made by Goodwin and Company in 1888, depicts J. Arundel, a catcher for the Indianapolis baseball team, and was distributed with Old Judge Cigarettes. It represents a fascinating intersection of sport, commerce, and early photographic technology. The image reveals much about the cultural landscape of late 19th-century America. Baseball was rapidly growing in popularity, and the burgeoning advertising industry sought new ways to reach consumers. Cigarette cards like this one became a popular promotional tool, capitalizing on the widespread appeal of baseball and its players. They helped to transform local figures into national icons. The card’s sepia tone and the player's posed stance remind us of photography’s evolving role in shaping public perception. To fully understand this image, we might consult trade publications and business records to analyze the marketing strategies of the time. We might also study the social history of baseball and its relationship to American identity. This humble card offers a window into a complex web of social and economic forces.