Ferris, St. Louis, American League, from the White Border series (T206) for the American Tobacco Company 1909 - 1911

This is a baseball card of Ferris, St. Louis, American League, made by the American Tobacco Company as part of the White Border series (T206). Produced in the early 20th century, these cards exemplify how commercial interests began to intersect with popular culture, shaping our understanding of sports and celebrity. Mass-produced and included in cigarette packs, the cards promoted both baseball and tobacco consumption, embedding them in the daily lives of Americans. The image itself, a posed portrait of Ferris in his St. Louis uniform, is a carefully constructed representation. The visual codes of the sport, such as the uniform and glove, signify athletic prowess and team affiliation. The American Tobacco Company capitalized on baseball's growing popularity to enhance their brand and cultivate consumer loyalty. Examining the card through historical archives and marketing materials, one begins to see how institutions manipulate cultural phenomena for financial gain. By understanding the social conditions and institutional context of the card, we can better grasp the complex interplay of commerce, sport, and identity in early 20th century America.