Danny Richardson, 2nd Base, New York, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

This is "Danny Richardson, 2nd Base, New York," from the Old Judge series, a baseball card made around 1888 by Goodwin & Company. It’s a small piece of cardboard, a token of the times when baseball was becoming America’s game, and also when the marketing of tobacco products took hold. Consider the cultural landscape of the late 19th century. Emerging industrialization brought both progress and precarity, influencing leisure and identity. This card speaks to both. Baseball embodied ideals of masculinity and competition, while tobacco was a symbol of adult sophistication. We see Richardson, not just as an athlete, but as a figure entwined with broader societal narratives. The mass production and distribution of these cards reflect capitalism and the commodification of leisure. It invites us to reflect on the ways industries shape our cultural icons. This card then is more than a portrait; it’s a layered reflection of a specific moment in American history, one that continues to shape our understanding of sports, commerce, and identity.