James Henry O'Rourke, 3rd Base, New York, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887

This is James Henry O’Rourke, 3rd Base, New York, a baseball card from the Old Judge series, made by Goodwin & Company in 1887. These cards were included in packs of Old Judge Cigarettes, revealing how deeply intertwined advertising, sports, and everyday habits were. O’Rourke, an Irish-American, stands poised, ready to swing, embodying the era's evolving ideals of masculinity and athleticism. The image subtly hints at the socio-cultural narratives of immigration and assimilation that defined America. The sepia tone lends a nostalgic air, yet it also suggests the selective lens through which history is often viewed. These cards weren't just about baseball, they were about crafting an image, a narrative of American identity that was often at odds with the lived realities of many. Consider the hands that held this card, the stories it carried beyond the baseball field, and how it reflects the aspirations and exclusions of its time.