Dave Orr, 1st Base, Brooklyn Bridegrooms, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887

"Dave Orr, 1st Base, Brooklyn Bridegrooms" was made in 1887 by Goodwin & Company as part of the Old Judge series for their Cigarettes. These cards emerged during a period of increasing commercialism and a growing interest in celebrity culture. This card, like many of its time, captures a specific moment in the burgeoning world of professional baseball, yet it also subtly reflects broader societal attitudes. Note how Orr’s stoic pose and sturdy build embody a certain masculine ideal prevalent in late 19th-century America. It’s impossible to ignore the cigarette advertisement. The fact that baseball cards were used to promote smoking speaks to a time when the health risks were not understood, and these items were marketed towards mass audiences. The card provides a lens through which to consider the intertwining of sport, commerce, and cultural values. It offers a glimpse into a world where the image of an athlete could be packaged and sold alongside a dangerous product.