Mann, Right Field, St. Louis Browns, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

This baseball card from the Old Judge series, made around 1888 by Goodwin & Company, depicts Mann, a right fielder for the St. Louis Browns. During the late 19th century, baseball cards were originally included in cigarette packs as a marketing tactic. These cards captured players in action and offered fans a tangible connection to the sport, fostering a sense of community and identity. What does it mean to have our heroes, and ourselves, commodified? Despite the appeal and nostalgia these cards evoke, it's important to note the historical context. Produced during a time of significant social stratification, the narrative of baseball and its heroes often overlooked the contributions and experiences of marginalized groups, especially people of color. These cards are reminders of who gets remembered and why. Consider how this seemingly simple image reflects broader societal issues of representation, identity, and the selective construction of historical memory.