Charles J. "Charlie" Ferguson, Pitcher, Philadelphia, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887

Goodwin & Company produced this baseball card of Charles J. "Charlie" Ferguson, a pitcher for Philadelphia, as part of the Old Judge Cigarettes series in 1887. These cards were originally designed as promotional items included in cigarette packs, reflecting the burgeoning popularity of baseball and tobacco in late 19th-century America. The image of Ferguson, caught in a posed action shot, speaks to the era's developing celebrity culture and the commercialization of sports. But it is also a testament to the growing consumer culture, where companies used athletes to market their products. To understand the card's social impact, we can look at baseball's role in shaping national identity and class dynamics during this period. Likewise, the history of tobacco companies and their marketing practices helps contextualize the card's intent. By studying these cultural artifacts, we gain insights into the complex interplay between sports, commerce, and society in the past.