He Serves the Ball, from the Talk of the Diamond set (N135) issued by Duke Sons & Co., a branch of the American Tobacco Company 1888

This colorful card from the Talk of the Diamond set, was made by W. Duke Sons & Co., a branch of the American Tobacco Company, sometime between 1870 and 1920. These cards were originally included in packages of cigarettes as a marketing tool, as tobacco companies recognized the growing popularity of baseball. The image presents a juxtaposition of athletic and social spheres. The baseball player contrasts sharply with the server and the women, highlighting the intersections of sport, leisure, and class during this era. The idealized figures evoke a sense of aspiration, a promise that tobacco use could elevate one's social standing. Note how the server is placed off balance by the weight of the tray, and how this is compounded by his cartoonish features, hinting at the unequal distribution of labor. The contrast between the idealized baseball player and the caricature of the server underscores societal biases, revealing how certain groups were often marginalized or exploited. Ultimately, this card becomes a reflection of the values and power dynamics that shaped society during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.