Pickett, 3rd Base, Philadelphia, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

Goodwin & Company produced this baseball card, "Pickett, 3rd Base, Philadelphia," as part of the Old Judge Cigarettes series in the late 19th century. These cards were originally included in cigarette packs, reflecting the burgeoning popularity of both baseball and tobacco. These cards capture a moment in time when baseball was rapidly evolving into America's pastime. However, they also offer a lens through which we can consider broader societal attitudes toward labor and leisure during the Industrial Revolution. The players, often working-class men, found a space to gain celebrity and social mobility through their athletic prowess. But the commodification of their images, tied to products like cigarettes, raises questions about exploitation and representation. The image has an emotional appeal. The player is captured in the moment, ready to pitch. This is a historical marker and a personal story of athleticism, identity, and the cultural narratives that shape our understanding of American sport.