Conway, Pitcher, Boston, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887

This is a baseball card of Conway, a pitcher for Boston, made by Goodwin & Company for Old Judge Cigarettes in 1887. As part of a series, the image reflects a time when baseball was becoming increasingly commercialized and intertwined with American identity. These cards capture the late 19th century's fascination with celebrity and sport. They also remind us how advertising and cultural values were being shaped by burgeoning consumer culture. These cards, often found in cigarette packs, played a role in popularizing baseball and its players. Conway stands posed, exuding a certain confidence that speaks to the ideals of masculinity and athleticism of the era. Moreover, consider the lack of diversity in these early baseball images. They reflect the racial and social biases prevalent at the time. The image is not just a portrait; it represents a moment in the making of American identity and the complex intersections of race, sport, and commerce.