Griffin, Center Field, Baltimore Orioles, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1889

This card of Griffin, Center Field, Baltimore Orioles, was produced by Goodwin & Company in 1888 as part of the Old Judge Cigarettes series. These cards were originally included in cigarette packs as a marketing strategy, reflecting the growing popularity of both baseball and tobacco in the late 19th century. The image captures Griffin in action, poised to catch a ball. The lack of elaborate staging suggests an effort to portray the sport’s authenticity. Produced at a time when baseball was solidifying its status as America’s pastime, this card provides insight into the cultural values of the period. The institutional context of this card is equally revealing, mass-produced by a tobacco company for promotional purposes. It shows the intersection of commerce and leisure in American society. By studying these cards and their cultural moment, along with publications and commercial records from the time, we can better understand the social forces that shaped the art and leisure of the past.