Goodfellow, Catcher, Detroit Wolverines, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

This is a photograph of Charles Goodfellow, catcher for the Detroit Wolverines, produced around 1888 by Goodwin & Company as part of the Old Judge Cigarettes series. These cards existed within a late 19th-century America marked by industrial expansion, rising consumer culture, and also, the rise of professional baseball. Goodfellow, caught in the act of throwing, embodies the era's evolving ideals of masculinity and athleticism. Yet, this image is also a commercial artifact. The juxtaposition of Goodfellow with a cigarette brand speaks to the intertwining of sports, commerce, and personal habits. Notice how the photograph makes an emotional appeal by associating a beloved sport with a specific brand of cigarettes, subtly influencing consumer choice. The mass production and distribution of these cards reflect the growing reach of advertising and its impact on shaping societal values. These cards are not simply about baseball; they are about constructing identities and desires in a rapidly changing world.