Ledell "Cannonball" Titcomb, Pitcher, New York, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

This card from the Old Judge Cigarettes series shows Ledell "Cannonball" Titcomb, a pitcher for New York, and was made by Goodwin & Company in the late 19th century. It’s a humble, mass-produced object, yet it speaks volumes about the social and cultural landscape of its time. Produced during the boom of baseball's popularity, these cards were inserted into cigarette packs as a marketing tactic. Consider the image itself: Titcomb, in his uniform, strikes a confident pose. Note the idealized depiction of athleticism and the burgeoning cult of celebrity around sports figures. These cards were immensely popular, and they illustrate the merging of commerce, sport, and popular culture. The Library of Congress and other historical archives are invaluable resources for understanding the social context surrounding these cards. By examining them, we gain insight into the values, aspirations, and even the marketing strategies of a bygone era.