Frank Norris Graves, Catcher, Minneapolis, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

This photograph of Frank Norris Graves, a baseball catcher for Minneapolis, was produced by Goodwin & Company as part of the Old Judge Cigarettes series. The late 19th century was an era of burgeoning consumer culture, and these cards—inserted in cigarette packs—served as both advertisement and collectible. While seemingly a simple portrait, the image speaks volumes about the construction of celebrity and the commodification of leisure during this period. The image captures a specific moment in baseball history, reflecting the sport's growing popularity and its role in shaping American identity. Yet it also prompts us to consider the exploitative labor practices inherent in the tobacco industry, and the class dynamics at play in the consumption of both cigarettes and baseball cards. How might the experience of holding this small card, a portrait of a working-class hero packaged with a luxury item, have shaped one’s understanding of class, aspiration, and the promise of the American dream?