Boyle, Pitcher, Indianapolis, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887

This is an Old Judge Cigarettes trading card from 1887, featuring Boyle, a pitcher for Indianapolis, produced by Goodwin & Company. These cards emerged during a period of growing enthusiasm for baseball alongside the rise of mass advertising. The image captures Boyle in action, but consider the broader context: the late 19th century was a time marked by industrialization, immigration, and shifting social norms, and these cards were a part of a larger commercial landscape. While seemingly a straightforward depiction of an athlete, it also reflects the commercialization of sport and the commodification of identity. How did the players feel about their images being used to sell cigarettes? Consider the cultural implications of these images, and how they shape our understanding of athletes and celebrity. It prompts us to reflect on how sport, advertising, and identity intertwine.