Wheelock, Right Field, Boston, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887

This baseball card of Wheelock, Right Field, Boston, comes from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes, produced by Goodwin & Company in 1887. In an era marked by rapid industrialization and urbanization, baseball emerged as a unifying cultural phenomenon. This card is more than a portrait; it reflects the commodification of sports and celebrity culture, subtly revealing the intertwined relationship between commerce, leisure, and identity in late 19th-century America. Cigarette cards like this were a method of advertising, targeting a predominantly male consumer base. These cards also contributed to the construction of idealized images of masculinity and athletic prowess. Consider how such images shaped perceptions of athletes and reinforced societal values around competition, success, and the male body. At the same time, it invites us to think about the stories that remain untold. What does it mean that we know so little about Wheelock himself? The emotional connection to the game is palpable, yet the personal narrative remains elusive, obscured by the layers of commercial representation.