Cooney, Catcher, Chicago, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

This photographic print was made in the United States around 1888 by Goodwin & Company, and it was originally a promotional insert for Old Judge Cigarettes. Such cards were part of the feverish commercial culture of the late 19th century. This was a time when baseball was becoming increasingly professionalized, and a cult of celebrity was building around star players like Cooney. Think about how the image creates meaning: the clean-cut athlete, the baseball bat at his side, and the clear lettering of his name, team, and the cigarette brand. It is a moment of both advertising and early sports fandom. As historians, we can consider many research resources for understanding this image. We can look at the history of baseball, the history of advertising, and the history of photography to better appreciate the cultural work it performs.