John F. Roach, Pitcher, New York, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887

Goodwin & Company produced this baseball card of John F. Roach, a pitcher for New York, as part of the Old Judge Cigarettes series. These cards emerged in the late 19th century, a time marked by industrial growth and evolving social norms. Baseball was becoming America's pastime and, like many things in that era, was deeply entwined with commerce and expanding markets. These cards were essentially advertisements, small portraits packaged with cigarettes, offering a glimpse into the lives and aspirations of athletes. The image presents Roach as a figure of strength and precision. Yet, it’s important to remember that this representation, like many at the time, was carefully constructed. These cards helped to create celebrity culture, shaping perceptions and projecting ideals of masculinity and success. But who got to be a celebrity and who was left out? Consider that the baseball league was segregated, and these images were overwhelmingly of white players. This card invites us to reflect on how images create and sustain cultural narratives. It's not just a picture of a baseball player. It’s a piece of a larger story about who we choose to celebrate and the values we project onto them.