William Henry "Wattie" Watkins, Manager, Detroit Wolverines, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887

Editor: This is an albumen print from 1887, titled "William Henry 'Wattie' Watkins, Manager, Detroit Wolverines" from the Old Judge series for Old Judge Cigarettes, produced by Goodwin & Company. The sepia tone gives it such an antique feel; what really strikes me is how posed and serious it is for a baseball card. What do you see in this portrait? Curator: I see a fascinating intersection of celebrity, commerce, and the burgeoning power of visual media. Consider the context. Watkins, a manager, not even a player, achieving this level of visibility speaks volumes. Baseball was solidifying its place in American culture. But it is 'Old Judge Cigarettes' that captured the essence of their cultural era by including athletes’ photos on collectable cards. Editor: So, you are suggesting the baseball manager’s image has become inextricably bound to consumer culture? Curator: Exactly. What cultural aspirations were tied to these symbols? How were cigarettes culturally significant in the late 19th century? Smoking was seen as suave and cultured at this time and, linking that identity with baseball elevated baseball further. Now what are your impressions of how he looks and poses in that portrait? Editor: Well, his direct gaze is striking and exudes confidence. It makes me think about how carefully constructed public image was even back then. I find the contrast with the informality we see in sports photography today quite compelling. Curator: Indeed. Even a "simple" baseball card holds layers of social and cultural significance, speaking volumes about memory and how industries shape our cultural values. Editor: I hadn't thought about it that way, this puts the picture in a totally new perspective. I’ve certainly gained a richer understanding of the portrait as more than just a simple card now.