Pinkney, 3rd Base, Brooklyn, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887

Goodwin & Company produced this photographic print of Pinkney, the 3rd Base for Brooklyn, in 1887, to be sold with Old Judge Cigarettes. The image is made by layering a negative onto photosensitive paper, then exposing it to light in order to create a positive print. The sepia tone we see here is the result of the chemicals used in the development process, and gives the image a sense of historical distance. As a mass produced consumer object, this card’s materiality speaks volumes about the industrialization of leisure in the late 19th century. The relatively thin, cheap paper stock is machine-made, reflecting the era’s burgeoning print culture and advertising industry. Consider also the labor involved: from the photographers capturing Pinkney in action, to the factory workers churning out these cards en masse. As baseball gained popularity, so did the demand for memorabilia, turning players into commodities and transforming the sport into a lucrative business. So, next time you enjoy America’s favorite pastime, remember the complex relationship between sports, industry, and visual culture.