Albert C. "Al" Mays, Pitcher, Cleveland, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1889

This small photographic print of Al Mays, a baseball pitcher for Columbus, was made around 1889 by Goodwin & Company for their Old Judge Cigarettes series. It’s an example of the growing commercialization of leisure in late 19th century America, and the beginnings of celebrity culture. The image shows Mays in his baseball uniform, caught in a moment of action. The fact that this image appeared on a cigarette card speaks volumes about the intertwining of commerce and culture. Tobacco companies exploited the popularity of baseball to market their products. The proliferation of these cards helped to popularize baseball and its players. The image also reflects a growing interest in sports and outdoor activities, marking a shift in cultural values. To fully appreciate this image, we might consult advertising history, sports archives, and social histories of leisure in the late 19th century. This would reveal the complex interplay of commerce, sport, and cultural identity in that period.