Robinson, Catcher, Philadelphia Athletics, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

This late nineteenth-century card, made by Goodwin & Company, features Robinson, a catcher for the Philadelphia Athletics, and was originally included in packages of Old Judge Cigarettes. As photography became more accessible, images like these became immensely popular, reflecting the burgeoning fame of baseball players and the growth of consumer culture. Yet, this image is more than just a portrait of an athlete, it's a carefully constructed representation of masculinity and athleticism marketed to a specific audience. The catcher's stance, the dirt on his uniform, and the intensity in his eyes all contribute to an image of rugged, masculine strength. Consider the relationship between smoking, masculinity, and the commercialization of sports, all intertwined in this small piece of cardboard. The photograph promotes a lifestyle as much as a baseball player. The image also invites us to reflect on the complex ways in which identity, consumption, and representation intersect.