William Frederick "Bill" Krieg, 1st Base, St. Joseph Clay Eaters, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888 - 1889

This is a photograph of William Frederick "Bill" Krieg, a 1st Baseman for the St. Joseph Clay Eaters. It was produced as a promotional card for Old Judge Cigarettes by Goodwin & Company in 1889. The image shows Krieg in action, poised to catch a ball, which reflects baseball's growing popularity in the late 19th century United States. But this isn't just about sport. The commercial context of this card speaks volumes. Cigarette companies like Goodwin & Company recognized the marketing potential of baseball, using players' images to promote their products. This highlights the intersection of commerce, leisure, and celebrity culture, revealing how institutions shape our perceptions and values. It’s worth asking, what does it mean to turn athletes into commodities? To understand the image better, we can delve into the archives of advertising history and trace the evolution of celebrity endorsements. Looking at the legal history of the tobacco industry might also reveal the forces at play in the promotion of baseball through commercial products.