Tommy McCarthy, Center Field, St. Louis Browns, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

This 1888 baseball card of Tommy McCarthy, Center Field for the St. Louis Browns, was produced by Goodwin & Company for Old Judge Cigarettes. These cards emerged in an era of burgeoning mass media and commercialism, reflecting a growing interest in celebrity culture and the commodification of leisure. As baseball gained popularity, it provided a stage for individuals from diverse socio-economic backgrounds, but the prevailing narrative was one of white, male dominance. McCarthy, an Irish-American player, found success at a time when ethnic identities were both celebrated and marginalized. The inclusion of his image in a widely distributed product highlights the complex interplay of identity, representation, and consumerism in shaping cultural narratives. The card serves as a reminder of the selective visibility afforded to certain groups, even within the context of a national pastime.