James "Jim" M. Banning, Catcher, Washington Nationals, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1889

Editor: This gelatin silver print, dating back to 1889, presents James "Jim" M. Banning, a catcher for the Washington Nationals. It’s from the Old Judge series, originally an advertisement for Old Judge Cigarettes. The sepia tones lend an antique air, almost a sense of nostalgia. What strikes me most is the overt commercialization of sport—what is your take on that? Curator: You've nailed the key elements, noting the image's function as advertising and its engagement with early baseball. These "Old Judge" cards weren't merely innocent depictions; they participated in a burgeoning consumer culture where companies like Goodwin & Company sought to associate their products with desirable cultural icons, like athletes. In the late 19th century, baseball was gaining national popularity. How do you think images like this shaped that popularity, and the role of athletes in society? Editor: I imagine they helped construct a specific image of the athlete: a strong, dependable figure, linked to values the brand wanted to embody. They almost serve as endorsements, blurring the lines between sport and commercialism. Curator: Precisely. The photograph is carefully posed to project an image of athleticism, health and perhaps even moral standing—important for selling cigarettes. Further, circulating these cards reinforced baseball as a spectacle to be consumed alongside other products. What this card reveals is a deliberate interplay between emerging mass media, advertising, and the construction of athletic celebrity, all driven by commercial interests. Editor: That's fascinating. So, it's not just a simple portrait of an athlete, but a carefully crafted marketing tool. Curator: Exactly! And it brings into question the nature of celebrity endorsements and the commercialisation of athletics that is so common today. Editor: Wow, I never thought of it that way! It definitely gives me a lot to consider regarding the social and political role of sports imagery. Thanks!