Johnston, Center Field, Boston, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887

This is a baseball card of Johnston, Center Field, Boston, from the Old Judge series, produced by Goodwin & Company in the late 19th century. These cards were originally distributed with Old Judge Cigarettes, reflecting the cultural norms of the time when tobacco products were heavily marketed, often with masculine imagery. The card serves as a lens through which we might examine the intersection of sport, commerce, and identity. The player's pose, hands confidently on his hips, projects an image of strength and self-assurance, emblematic of the era's ideal of masculinity. Yet, it is mediated through a commercial enterprise, subtly reminding us of the commodification of both the sport and the athlete. Moreover, considering that this card dates back to a time of intense racial segregation in the United States, we are compelled to ponder the absence of diversity in these early representations of baseball. Reflect on the narratives that were sidelined and who was included, shaping a very specific image of America's pastime.