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

This is Timothy John "Tim" Keefe, Pitcher, New York, a baseball card from the Old Judge series made around 1887 by Goodwin & Company, as part of an advertising campaign for Old Judge Cigarettes. During the late 19th century, baseball emerged as a popular form of entertainment, largely among working-class men. These cards, distributed with cigarette packs, captured the players' images and brought them into people's everyday lives. The representation of athletes like Keefe spoke to ideals of masculinity, physical prowess, and the burgeoning concept of the sports hero. Keefe, a celebrated pitcher, is depicted in action. What does it mean to capture his image in this way, turning a working-class hero into a commodity to be bought and sold? The mass production and distribution of his image reflect the evolving dynamics of fame, consumer culture, and the commercialization of sports during this era. In considering this baseball card, we might reflect on how it embodies both individual aspiration and collective identity.