Captain Jack Glasscock, Baseball Player, from World's Champions, Series 1 (N28) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1887

This is a baseball card of Captain Jack Glasscock, made by Allen & Ginter Cigarettes as part of their "World's Champions" series. These cards, tiny windows into the late 19th century, remind us of the intertwined relationship between commerce, celebrity, and leisure in American culture. During this era, baseball was rapidly becoming the nation's pastime, and figures like Glasscock were elevated to celebrity status. What’s interesting to note is how tobacco companies leveraged this popularity, embedding these images within their products. As a result, these cards offer insight into the construction of masculinity and athleticism during a time of rapid industrialization and changing social norms. Consider the card's design: Glasscock is idealized, his image carefully crafted to embody strength and determination. Yet, it’s also a reminder of the pervasive reach of the tobacco industry and its impact on society.