John Irwin, 3rd Base, Washington Nationals, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

This photographic print of John Irwin, the third baseman for the Washington Nationals, comes to us from the Old Judge series by Goodwin & Company. These cards were distributed with Old Judge Cigarettes during a time when baseball was rapidly growing in popularity, but also when tobacco companies were major players in cultural life. The image presents Irwin in a staged pose, an idealized version of athleticism and masculinity. It offers a window into how athletes were marketed and perceived in the late 19th century, shaped by emerging commercial forces. These cards not only promoted baseball but also served as a cultural artifact, reflecting the values and aspirations of the time. Consider the dual role that these cards played: celebrating athleticism while promoting a product linked to addiction. It invites us to consider the narratives we tell about heroes, and the complex relationship between commerce, health, and cultural values.