Swartwood, Right Field, Brooklyn, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887 - 1890

This small paper card, dating to the late 19th century, pictures Swartwood, right fielder for Brooklyn, and was produced by Goodwin & Company for Old Judge Cigarettes. These cards were made using photographic processes, printed in mass quantities and inserted into cigarette packs. The sepia tone and slight blurring speak to the industrial processes used to reproduce this image. The card material itself, thin and mass-produced, highlights its role as a promotional item, blurring the lines between commerce, celebrity, and leisure. It reflects a growing culture of consumption and commodification, where even leisure activities like baseball became intertwined with commercial interests. Consider how the repetitive labor involved in producing these cards contrasts with the individual skill and athleticism of the baseball player depicted. This tension reflects the broader societal shifts of the time, as industrialization transformed both work and leisure. Understanding this context helps us appreciate how seemingly simple objects like baseball cards can offer insights into the complex social and economic dynamics of their time.