Samuel Leech Maskrey, Right Field, Des Moines Prohibitionists, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

Goodwin & Company created this baseball card of Samuel Leech Maskrey, right fielder for the Des Moines Prohibitionists, as part of the Old Judge series for Old Judge Cigarettes. The late 19th century was a transformative era in American history, marked by industrial growth, urbanization, and shifting social norms. Produced in 1888, this card reflects the growing popularity of baseball as a national pastime, a sport embraced by various social classes. Simultaneously, the image is promoting a product - cigarettes. It reflects the pervasive marketing tactics used during the time. Maskrey was not only an athlete but also a symbol of the temperance movement, aligning himself with the Prohibitionists. The card provides insight into the commercial and cultural intersections of sport, advertising, and social ideologies during this pivotal period in American history. Think about this card as an insight into the marketing strategies used to shape public opinion during the late 1800's.