Darby O'Brien, Left Field, Brooklyn Bridegrooms, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

This paper card, featuring Darby O'Brien of the Brooklyn Bridegrooms, was produced by Goodwin & Company for Old Judge Cigarettes. Though seemingly simple, it speaks volumes about the intertwining of commerce, leisure, and labor in the late 19th century. The card's sepia tone reveals a photographic printing process, likely albumen or gelatin silver, mass-produced to be included in cigarette packs. This was a clever marketing strategy: collectable cards increased product appeal. But, what about the workers producing these cards, and rolling the cigarettes? This small object is deeply embedded in the culture of the time, a symbol of industrialization and the rise of consumer culture. It reminds us that even a seemingly trivial item like a baseball card is tied to wider social issues of labor, politics, and consumption. By examining the materials and context of this card, we gain a richer understanding of its significance, blurring the lines between advertising, craft, and cultural artifact.