James Dickson "Dick" Phelan, 2nd Base, Des Moines Prohibitionists, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1889

This baseball card, dating from 1889, was made by Goodwin & Company as a promotional item for Old Judge Cigarettes. The image of James Dickson "Dick" Phelan, a second baseman, is printed on thin paper stock, likely using a photolithographic process to reproduce the image at scale. What’s interesting here is the relationship between the photograph, the printing process, and the broader context of American industry. The late 19th century saw the rise of mass media and advertising, of which this card is a part. These cards were included in cigarette packs, incentivizing repeat purchases. The images weren't precious; they were made to be collected, traded, and, ultimately, consumed along with the cigarettes. The card's materiality also speaks to the changing nature of work and leisure. As industrialization increased, baseball emerged as a popular form of entertainment. The card, therefore, captures a moment in the history of both labor and leisure, illustrating how they were increasingly intertwined with consumer culture. It encourages us to reconsider the conventional distinction between art and ephemera, highlighting the cultural significance of mass-produced images.