Myers, Catcher, Indianapolis, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887

This is a baseball card of Myers, a catcher for Indianapolis, from the Old Judge series of cigarette cards, dating back to 1887. Goodwin & Company produced these cards during a time when baseball was rapidly gaining popularity in the United States. But let's consider what it meant to participate in and consume baseball at this moment in history. What stories did it tell about American identity? Who was allowed to participate, and who was excluded? While it presents an image of athleticism, the card is inextricably linked to the tobacco industry, which often exploited labor and promoted harmful products. Myers himself, as a figure of idealized masculinity, exists within a complex web of commerce, health, and social values. This tension reminds us to look critically at the narratives we consume and the industries that shape our perceptions. It encourages us to reflect on the values and priorities that continue to influence American culture today.