Bill George, Pitcher, New York, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887

Editor: This is "Bill George, Pitcher, New York," a baseball card from the Old Judge series, printed in 1887 by Goodwin & Company. It’s an albumen print – kind of sepia-toned. What strikes me is how posed and formal it is, unlike today’s sports photography. What do you see in this piece? Curator: It's a fascinating window into the burgeoning commercialization and idolization of athletes. These cards weren't just innocent collectibles; they were instrumental in constructing narratives around masculinity and early American identity, directly tied to consumer culture through cigarette brands. How does that knowledge shift your understanding of the player and the pose? Editor: It makes it feel less authentic, I guess? More like an advertisement than a celebration of the sport itself. The cigarettes are heavily promoted in the text... Did they choose specific players based on who fit some image they were trying to sell? Curator: Precisely. These cards acted as propaganda, subtly promoting ideals of strength, athleticism, and success – particularly linked to white, male figures – ideals still perpetuated today. Think about how these images contribute to a hierarchy of who is seen, celebrated, and commodified within the sports industry even now. In this sense, are they different to sport stars promoted now? Editor: So, it's not just about baseball; it’s about power, representation, and who gets to be a hero. I never would have looked at a baseball card that way. Curator: Exactly! Recognizing the hidden narratives, the cultural fingerprints embedded in seemingly simple objects, enriches our understanding of art and its impact on society. It’s more than a baseball card; it’s a statement. Editor: That's a perspective I'll definitely keep in mind from now on. Thanks!