Frank Sylvester "Silver" Flint, Catcher, Chicago, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887

This small card from the Old Judge Cigarettes series depicts Frank Sylvester "Silver" Flint, a catcher for the Chicago baseball team. Produced by Goodwin & Company in the late 19th century, the card reflects the burgeoning popularity of baseball and the use of celebrity endorsements in advertising. These cards capture a moment when sport, commerce, and identity were becoming deeply intertwined. As baseball emerged as America's pastime, figures like Flint became symbols of national pride and masculine ideals. Yet, the commodification of these athletes also raises questions about labor, representation, and the construction of fame. The Old Judge series provides insight into how images circulated and contributed to the formation of cultural values during this period. While seemingly a simple promotional item, this card encapsulates complex dynamics of gender, class, and the rise of consumer culture in America.