Johnston, Center Field, Boston, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887

This photographic print of Johnston, Center Field for Boston, was made by Goodwin & Company around 1887, as part of a series to promote Old Judge Cigarettes. In late 19th-century America, baseball was becoming increasingly popular, and businesses recognized its potential for advertising. Goodwin & Company was one of several tobacco firms that produced baseball cards featuring star players, which were included in cigarette packs. These cards not only promoted the brand but also fueled the growing enthusiasm for the sport. The image is a straightforward portrait of a baseball player in uniform, holding a bat. The card’s design reflects the aesthetics of the time. It is a fascinating artifact that speaks to the intertwined histories of sports, advertising, and consumer culture in America. To understand the historical context of this image, we can look into the archives of baseball history, advertising, and the records of companies like Goodwin & Company. This gives us a glimpse into the social and economic forces that shaped its production and reception.