Jeremiah J. "Miah" Murray, Catcher, Washington Nationals, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

This photographic print of Jeremiah “Miah” Murray was made by Goodwin & Company in 1888 as part of the Old Judge Cigarettes series. Baseball cards like this one offer a fascinating insight into the social conditions shaping leisure and advertising in the late 19th century United States. Produced during the sport's formative years, these cards not only promoted tobacco consumption but also helped to popularize baseball and its players. Notice how Murray, the catcher for the Washington Nationals, is captured in a dynamic pose, yet the backdrop seems artificially pastoral. This juxtaposition speaks volumes about the commercial interests at play, where authenticity meets constructed imagery for marketing purposes. To truly understand this image, we can explore the history of baseball as an emerging national pastime, the rise of consumer culture, and the role of advertising in shaping social values. By consulting archives and historical accounts, we uncover the intricate connections between sport, commerce, and society in turn-of-the-century America.