Mike "King" Kelly, Baseball Player, from World's Champions, Series 1 (N28) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1887

This is a baseball card of Mike "King" Kelly, made by Allen & Ginter Cigarettes as part of their World's Champions series. The late 19th century was a time when baseball was becoming increasingly popular, and players like Kelly were among the first celebrities in the sport. These cards were originally included in cigarette packs as a marketing tactic, and they offer a glimpse into the cultural values and ideals of the period. Kelly, known for his charisma and flamboyant style, challenged conventional ideas of what a baseball player should be, and his popularity transcended the sport itself. While the card celebrates athletic achievement, it's impossible to ignore its connection to the tobacco industry, which has a complex and controversial history. The card reflects how intertwined social activities and consumer culture were, creating a potent mix of entertainment, promotion, and personal identity. It speaks to the ways in which we construct heroes and how commercial interests shape our perceptions of them.