Jacob Peter "Eagle Eye" Beckley, 1st Base, Pittsburgh, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

Goodwin & Company created this baseball card of Jacob Peter "Eagle Eye" Beckley in the late 19th century as part of a series for Old Judge Cigarettes. The image captures Beckley, a celebrated first baseman for Pittsburgh, in a moment that attempts to convey action and intensity. These cards were more than mere promotional items; they reflect the burgeoning cult of celebrity around athletes and the growing commercialization of leisure in America. Beckley’s moniker, "Eagle Eye," speaks to an era where skill and reputation were intimately linked, crafting heroes out of ordinary men. But who had access to these images? Who was being excluded? The card's small size belies its function as a cultural artifact, one that helped shape perceptions of masculinity, success, and visibility in a rapidly changing society. While seemingly a simple portrait, this card encapsulates a moment in the making of American identity.