Whitaker, Pitcher, Baltimore Orioles, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1889

Editor: This is "Whitaker, Pitcher, Baltimore Orioles" from the Old Judge series, dating back to 1889. It’s an albumen print, a photograph meant to be included in cigarette packs. It's quite striking – there’s something about the formal pose that contrasts with its mass-produced, commercial nature. How do you interpret this work? Curator: I see a powerful intersection of sport, industry, and early image culture. The "Old Judge" series exemplifies how consumerism in the late 19th century began to capitalize on celebrity and aspiration. We must ask, who was this baseball player to those buying cigarettes? What fantasies were being sold alongside the tobacco? Editor: So, more than just a baseball card, it's reflecting broader social and economic currents? Curator: Exactly. Consider the social implications – these cards were predominantly consumed by white men. Baseball, even then, had racial exclusions and deeply entrenched class divisions. So this seemingly simple portrait reveals narratives of who had access, who was celebrated, and who was conspicuously absent. The romanticized view of Americana is complicated when considering these elements. How does that context shift your perspective? Editor: It definitely makes me consider the image in a new light. I was initially focused on the aesthetic—the sepia tones and vintage feel—but now I'm more aware of the social narratives embedded within it. Curator: And that's the key: unpacking those hidden narratives and reflecting on their resonance today. Editor: This makes me appreciate the power of everyday objects, even something as seemingly insignificant as a baseball card, to tell us a lot about our history. Curator: Absolutely. By critically examining these images, we gain insight into the historical frameworks shaping our contemporary moment.