Zinn, Catcher, Philadelphia Athletics, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

This small photographic print of Zinn, a catcher for the Philadelphia Athletics, was created by Goodwin & Company as part of the "Old Judge" series of cigarette cards. These cards, popular in the late 19th century, offer a glimpse into the cultural landscape of early baseball and its role in American society. The image captures Zinn in action, poised to catch a ball, embodying the athleticism and skill celebrated in the burgeoning sport. The card’s connection to tobacco advertising reveals the intertwining of commerce and leisure in the late 1800s. These cards were a marketing strategy aimed at connecting the brand with the values of athleticism, and success represented by baseball. The "Old Judge" series, like many aspects of early baseball, largely excluded people of color. This reality reflects the racial segregation and discrimination prevalent in American society at the time. The images offer a window into the past but one that acknowledges the complexities and inequalities of that era.