Thomas Francis Michael "Tommy" McCarthy, 2nd Base, Philadelphia, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887

Editor: This albumen print from 1887, "Thomas Francis Michael 'Tommy' McCarthy" by Goodwin & Company, captures a baseball player in action. The sepia tones give it such a vintage feel. What strikes me is how this feels like it's more than just a portrait of an athlete, right? How would you interpret this work? Curator: It's a fascinating intersection of sport, commerce, and evolving notions of masculinity and celebrity in the late 19th century. Consider this: tobacco companies used these cards to boost sales, essentially commodifying athletes like McCarthy. The image presents him as a respectable, strong figure, reinforcing dominant ideals of masculinity during that era. Editor: So, it's not just about baseball but about constructing an image of what a man should be? Curator: Precisely! How do representations like these shape societal expectations, then and now? Think about race, too. Where are the Black baseball players? Their exclusion from these popular images reflects the deeply ingrained racial biases of the time, further cementing existing power structures. Editor: That makes me see this little card so differently. It's beautiful, but there is also that tension between promotion and cultural exclusion. Did McCarthy and others profit from this commodification? Curator: Some players received compensation, though meager compared to the profits generated. In my mind it really exposes this tension where athletes' likenesses are exploited. These baseball cards reflect the growth of capitalism but we need to interrogate who benefits, and who is further marginalized in the process. What are your thoughts? Editor: It’s wild to think that something as simple as a baseball card could be a window into such complex social and political issues. Thank you so much. Curator: The layers of history within one image. Amazing!