William J. Frey, Left Field, St. Joseph Clay Eaters, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1889

This is William J. Frey, Left Field, St. Joseph Clay Eaters, a baseball card made around 1889 by Goodwin & Company as part of the Old Judge Cigarettes series. These cards coincided with the professionalization of baseball in America. The image captures Frey in his uniform, holding a bat with a mix of seriousness and aspiration. Frey and his teammates were known as the "Clay Eaters," a moniker that is both intriguing and indicative of local identity and pride. During this period, baseball was becoming deeply intertwined with American identity, symbolizing ideals of teamwork, competition, and national pride. However, baseball's narrative wasn't, and still isn't, without its complexities. The sport mirrored broader societal divisions, particularly concerning race. While Frey is presented here as an individual, the context of his time meant that opportunities were not equally available, with African American players notably excluded from mainstream professional leagues. This card, therefore, becomes a bittersweet artifact, celebrating individual achievement while reminding us of systemic inequalities.