Staley, Pitcher, St. Louis Whites, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887 - 1889

Editor: This albumen print from between 1887 and 1889 by Goodwin & Company shows Harry Staley, a pitcher for the St. Louis Whites baseball team. It has an interesting sepia tone to it. What catches your eye about this work? Curator: Isn’t it amazing how something as simple as a baseball card can encapsulate so much history? It’s more than just a portrait; it's a time capsule. This image takes me back to sepia-toned memories and that old-timey baseball spirit! I love how his confident gaze, meets us. You can tell there is an untold story of baseball’s early days behind his eyes. Do you notice the Old Judge Cigarettes advertisement on the card? Editor: Yes, it says “Old Judge Cigarettes,” at the bottom. So this was an advertisement, in essence? Did the popularity of baseball help sell the product? Curator: Precisely! Baseball was rapidly gaining traction as the national pastime, and savvy companies like Goodwin saw an opportunity to tap into that enthusiasm. They were packaging miniature dreams. Each card isn't just an image; it is a sliver of possibility and a chance to connect with sporting heroes, which came tucked inside a cigarette pack. Does it make you wonder who collected it back then, what their story was? Editor: It makes the history feel so accessible. It’s incredible to think about. I didn’t realize advertisements had been using cultural icons this way so long ago. Curator: That’s the charm, isn’t it? We often view history through textbooks, but sometimes, the most vivid lessons come from the unexpected, like this little piece of cardboard, tinged with tobacco and dreams of the game. Editor: Absolutely, I'll remember that. I have a whole new appreciation for baseball cards now.