Thomas J. "Tom" Dolan, Catcher, Denver, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888 - 1889

This baseball card of Thomas J. "Tom" Dolan was produced by Goodwin & Company for Old Judge Cigarettes in the late 19th century. These cards capture a slice of Americana, reflecting a time when baseball was rapidly growing in popularity. Dolan is depicted in a somewhat unconventional pose; he is lying on his side, perhaps indicating a moment of rest during a game. The pose disrupts the conventional representations of athletes as symbols of strength and vigor. His relaxed position might suggest an alternative narrative, one that acknowledges the human side of these early sports heroes. These cards were included in cigarette packs, revealing the deep connections between commerce, celebrity, and leisure in American culture. The small size and mass production allowed for the widespread distribution of Dolan's image, contributing to the era's emerging cult of personality around athletes. It invites us to consider the nature of fame and representation in a rapidly changing society.