William H. "Dad" Clarke, Pitcher, Chicago, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

Editor: Here we have a baseball card, or albumen print, from 1888 featuring William H. "Dad" Clarke, a pitcher for Chicago. It's part of the "Old Judge" series, which is interesting because it was used to promote Old Judge Cigarettes. There's a certain candid feel to the photograph. What stands out to you about it? Curator: The context of its production and circulation is key. Think about baseball's burgeoning popularity in the late 19th century. Mass-produced cards like these weren't just about advertising, they were about constructing a specific image of American masculinity and athleticism. This card participated in that project. Editor: Masculinity? I suppose that makes sense given it was advertising cigarettes at the same time, maybe promoting a specific lifestyle? Curator: Precisely! Tobacco companies heavily marketed to men, associating their products with ideals of strength, leisure, and success. Baseball players, as public figures, became powerful symbols within this marketing strategy. This image of Clarke, caught mid-swing, reinforced these associations, helping to craft this image of a baseball player within society. Does the fact that it was used to advertise influence how you view the piece? Editor: Definitely. Knowing that the primary function was promotional changes everything. It reframes how "natural" that "candid" shot actually is. Thanks, that was very insightful! Curator: It goes to show how even seemingly straightforward images are deeply embedded within social and economic networks. Food for thought.