Timothy John "Tim" Keefe, Pitcher, New York, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887

Goodwin & Company's late 19th-century photograph features Timothy John "Tim" Keefe, a pitcher for New York, and comes from the Old Judge Cigarettes series. These cards, distributed with tobacco products, show us a fascinating intersection of burgeoning sports culture, commercial advertising, and the rise of photography as a mass medium in America. Produced in 1887, this card reflects baseball's growing popularity and its connection to consumer culture. The card acted not only as advertising for the cigarette brand but also capitalized on the fame of athletes like Keefe. The commercial context in which this image was produced provides valuable insights into the social conditions of the time, linking leisure, consumption, and the cult of celebrity. By studying industry publications, advertising ephemera, and business records, we can reveal the complex relationship between art, commerce, and society in the late 19th century.