Gumbert, Pitcher, Chicago, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1889

This is a baseball card of Gumbert, a pitcher for Chicago, made by Goodwin & Company around 1889 as part of an advertising series for Old Judge Cigarettes. These cards reflect a pivotal moment in the history of both baseball and advertising. Made in the United States, this card speaks to the burgeoning popularity of baseball as a national pastime. The late 19th century saw baseball transition from an amateur sport to a professional enterprise, a transformation fueled by increasing urbanization and industrialization. Tobacco companies like Goodwin & Company recognized the marketing potential of baseball, using player images to promote their brands. The images were included in cigarette packages, creating a collectible craze that blurred the lines between sport, commerce, and celebrity culture. To understand such images we can turn to popular culture, advertising and business history. In this way, we can understand that what we see here is not just a picture of a baseball player, but a window into the social and economic forces shaping American society at the time.