Griffin, Center Field, Baltimore Orioles, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887 - 1890

This baseball card from the Old Judge series, produced by Goodwin & Company, is more than just a portrait of Griffin, center fielder for the Baltimore Orioles. It’s a window into late 19th-century America. These cards were inserted into cigarette packs, a marketing strategy that linked leisure, pleasure, and the burgeoning popularity of baseball. Think about how commerce can shape our cultural icons. The image of Griffin, caught in a moment of action, becomes a commodity, a collectible, reflecting the growing commercialization of sports and leisure. But the image also speaks to ideals of masculinity and athleticism that were taking root in American society. The baseball player as a symbol of rugged individualism, physical prowess, and competitive spirit. Ultimately, this card asks us to consider the interplay between sport, commerce, and the construction of identity in a rapidly changing nation.