Michael "Silent Mike" Joseph Tiernan, Right Field, New York, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887

This is a photographic print of Michael "Silent Mike" Joseph Tiernan, the right fielder for New York, made in 1887 by Goodwin & Company for Old Judge Cigarettes. These cards were a promotional tool, a way to market cigarettes by associating them with the rising popularity of baseball. Consider the cultural context: the late 19th century saw the professionalization of sports and the rise of celebrity athletes. This card reflects that shift, turning Tiernan into a public figure whose image could be bought and sold. The image creates meaning through visual codes. His uniform and pose signify athleticism and action. The backdrop, likely a staged studio setting, reinforces the constructed nature of this celebrity image. The historian's role is to unpack these layers, to understand the economic, social, and cultural forces that shaped its production and consumption. By consulting archives, newspapers, and business records, we can better understand the meanings and implications of this seemingly simple baseball card.