Porter, Pitcher, Brooklyn, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887 - 1890

Goodwin & Company produced this small, sepia-toned photograph, titled "Porter, Pitcher, Brooklyn," as part of a series of baseball cards included in Old Judge Cigarettes packs. The turn of the century was a period of intense change and cultural reformation, as industrialization and urbanization shifted the dynamics of American life. As such, baseball emerged as a popular pastime, offering a shared experience that transcended class lines. While the image might seem like a simple celebration of athleticism, the commercialization of baseball through these cards speaks to broader issues of identity, consumer culture, and the construction of celebrity. While these cards provided a glimpse into the lives of athletes, they also perpetuated certain ideals and stereotypes, particularly concerning masculinity and race. They invite us to consider whose stories are told and whose are left out, reflecting the complex and often exclusionary nature of early 20th-century American society.