Gil Hatfield, 3rd Base, New York, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

"Gil Hatfield, 3rd Base, New York" is an albumen print made by Goodwin & Company as part of the "Old Judge" series of baseball cards. These cards, distributed with Old Judge Cigarettes, offer a glimpse into the burgeoning world of professional baseball in the late 19th century, and its relationship with the tobacco industry. What strikes me about this portrait of Hatfield is the contrast between the idealized image of athleticism and the gritty reality of the sport. The sepia tone lends a nostalgic aura, yet Hatfield’s stance and determined gaze hints at the physicality required of the game. These cards contributed to shaping the public perception of athletes, while simultaneously promoting a product known to damage the body. Consider the role of advertising in constructing narratives of masculinity and consumerism. How does this image contribute to the mythology of baseball and the commodification of athletes?