Charles B. "Lady" Baldwin, Pitcher, Detroit Wolverines, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

This is Charles B. "Lady" Baldwin, Pitcher, Detroit Wolverines, an albumen silver print created around 1888 by Goodwin & Company as part of the Old Judge Cigarettes series. The late 19th century saw the rise of baseball as America's pastime, yet, the nickname "Lady" given to Baldwin is a curious intersection of masculinity and gender expectations of the time. While celebrated for his pitching prowess, the moniker hints at underlying anxieties surrounding gender and athletic identity. Was it a comment on his pitching style, a dig at his character, or something else entirely? This baseball card speaks to a time when cultural values and gender norms were undergoing significant transformation. The commercial use of Baldwin’s image, to sell cigarettes, further complicates readings of his identity, reducing him to a commodity. We are left to wonder how Baldwin felt being framed in this way, celebrated and subtly critiqued. This image encourages us to reflect on the interplay between public image, personal identity, and the social constructs that shape them.