Charles W. "Lefty" Marr, Right Field, Cleveland, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1889

This is a baseball card of Charles W. "Lefty" Marr, made around 1888 by Goodwin & Company as part of the "Old Judge" series for their cigarette brand. Produced during the rapid industrialization of the United States, baseball emerged as a popular form of mass entertainment, and cigarette cards like this one played a crucial role in promoting both the sport and consumer products. The image shows Marr in his baseball uniform, holding a bat, the card acting as both advertisement and collectible. The card's design reflects the values of the late 19th century, linking athletic prowess with the consumption of tobacco, a common marketing strategy at the time. Institutions such as sporting leagues and advertising companies collaborated to shape cultural norms and promote consumerism. To fully understand the cultural significance of this card, historians might consult archives of advertising companies, baseball records, and social histories of the period. Examining such sources reveals the complex interplay of commerce, sport, and social values in shaping American culture.