Zachary Taylor Shafer, 2nd Base, St. Paul Apostles, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

This is a photographic print of Zachary Taylor Shafer, a baseball player for the St. Paul Apostles, made in the United States around 1888. It was created by Goodwin & Company as part of the "Old Judge" series for their cigarette brand. These cards offer a fascinating window into the social and economic landscape of the late 19th century. Baseball, rapidly growing in popularity, was being strategically linked to consumer products like cigarettes. This speaks to the rise of mass culture and the ways companies sought to capitalize on it. The image itself, while seemingly straightforward, reflects a carefully constructed representation of athleticism and masculinity designed to appeal to potential customers. To fully understand this card, we need to consider the history of baseball as a professional sport, the rise of advertising, and the social norms of the Gilded Age. By exploring these areas, we can uncover the complex web of cultural and economic forces that shaped this seemingly simple image.