James Thomas "Deacon" McGuire, Catcher, Philadelphia, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887

This photographic card of James Thomas "Deacon" McGuire, catcher for Philadelphia, was created around 1887 by Goodwin & Company as part of the Old Judge Cigarettes series. The composition is elegantly simple, with the player centered against a neutral backdrop. The limited tonal range, from light beige to warm browns, emphasizes form and texture. Note how the sharp focus on McGuire’s face and uniform contrasts with the softer background, directing our gaze. The photograph functions as both a commercial product and a cultural artifact. The series served to promote cigarette sales, while simultaneously documenting the emerging sport of baseball. The rigid pose and formal attire, however, underscore the complex intersection of commerce, sport, and representation at the time. Consider the photograph's materiality: a small, easily distributed card, designed for mass consumption. This format democratized access to images of athletes, fostering a sense of connection between fans and players.