Patrick H. "Pat" O'Connell, 1st Base, Omaha Omahogs/ Lambs, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

This is a trade card from the “Old Judge” series, printed by Goodwin & Company in New York around 1888. It features Patrick H. "Pat" O'Connell, a first baseman for the Omaha Omahogs. These cards were included in packs of Old Judge Cigarettes, functioning as both advertising and collectible items. Note how the card is inscribed with promotional text advertising the cigarette brand. The rise of baseball's popularity coincided with the expansion of mass media and consumer culture in the late 19th century United States. Tobacco companies were keen to capitalize on this, using baseball cards to promote their products and associate them with the values of athleticism and Americana. It's fascinating to consider how this reflects the growing commercialization of leisure and the intertwining of sports, advertising, and national identity. Historical research into advertising ephemera and the history of baseball as an institution help us to better understand these images and the culture from which they emerged.