Griffin, Center Field, Baltimore Orioles, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

This photograph of Griffin, a center fielder for the Baltimore Orioles, was produced by Goodwin & Company in 1888 as part of a series of baseball cards for Old Judge Cigarettes. This was a period when the mass production of images became possible using new technologies. The sepia tone and card format, achieved through photographic and printing processes, are themselves revealing. Photography, though capable of capturing a specific moment in time, could also be easily reproduced and commodified. The image's inherent qualities of light and shadow are influenced by the printing process used, giving it a distinct aesthetic that reflects the era's visual culture. The mass production of these cards speaks to the rise of consumer culture and the intertwining of sports, advertising, and industrial manufacturing. It also highlights the value placed on celebrity and the commercialization of leisure activities. This seemingly simple photograph offers a fascinating glimpse into the social and economic forces at play in late 19th-century America.