Fennelly, Shortstop, Philadelphia Athletics, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1889

This card of Fennelly, the shortstop for the Philadelphia Athletics, was produced by Goodwin & Company for Old Judge Cigarettes around 1889. These cards were originally included in cigarette packs as a way to stiffen the packaging and promote the brand. This image reflects the growing commercialization of baseball in the late 19th century in the United States. As baseball leagues began to form and gain popularity, they became ripe for corporate sponsorship. Tobacco companies saw an opportunity to capitalize on this trend by associating their product with the wholesome image of America's pastime. Examining business records and advertising ephemera from this time period can provide more information about the ways in which corporations shaped popular culture and exploited the growing interest in sports for profit. It reminds us that our understanding of art and culture must take into account the social and economic forces that influence its production and consumption.