Sommers, Left Field, Baltimore Orioles, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

This small photograph is from the Old Judge series produced in the late 19th century by Goodwin & Company, a cigarette manufacturer. The image depicts Sommers, a left fielder for the Baltimore Orioles. The baseball card emerged during an era marked by industrial expansion and shifting social norms. Baseball's rise mirrored the changing landscape of leisure and commerce, as tobacco companies recognized the marketing potential of aligning their products with sports figures. These cards, collected and traded by predominantly male audiences, fostered a sense of community while reinforcing the gendered dimensions of fandom. The visual language of the card presents an idealized image of athleticism, but the commercial context underscores the intertwining of sports, consumption, and masculinity in American culture. This piece serves as a reminder of the complex ways in which identity, commerce, and leisure intersect.