James Newton "Jesse" Duryea, Pitcher, Cincinnati, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888 - 1889

This is a baseball card of James Newton "Jesse" Duryea, a pitcher for Cincinnati, created by Goodwin & Company as part of the Old Judge Cigarettes series. These cards emerged during a period of intense cultural change in the late 19th century, a time marked by industrialization, urbanization, and new forms of mass media and consumerism. The card is more than a portrait of an athlete; it's an artifact of the era's burgeoning celebrity culture and the commercialization of leisure. Duryea, captured in the midst of his pitching motion, embodies the evolving ideal of the American sporting hero. Yet, it's impossible to ignore the context of this image as a promotional item for cigarettes. The history of baseball is also a history of racial segregation, with Black players systemically excluded from the major leagues. These cards, circulating widely, played a role in shaping and reinforcing these exclusionary norms. Consider the emotional resonance these cards held for fans, offering a tangible connection to their heroes amidst a rapidly changing world.