Al Maul, Pitcher, Pittsburgh, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

This photographic print of Al Maul, a pitcher for Pittsburgh, was made in 1888 by Goodwin & Company as part of their Old Judge Cigarettes series. It’s a piece of advertising, primarily, but also an early instance of sports memorabilia, revealing much about the social and economic landscape of the time. Consider the context: baseball was rapidly gaining popularity in the late 19th century, and businesses were eager to capitalize on this trend. Goodwin & Company, a cigarette manufacturer, saw an opportunity to promote their brand by including these cards in their cigarette packs. This speaks to the intertwining of commerce and leisure, and how popular culture was increasingly being used for marketing purposes. These cards also document the rise of celebrity culture. As baseball players became more well-known, their images became valuable commodities. Institutions such as sporting clubs were gaining increasing cultural power, and the way fans followed teams was changing, too. To fully understand the significance of this image, we might delve into the history of baseball, advertising, and the cultural norms of the late 19th century. We can also explore the archives of Goodwin & Company. By piecing together these different sources, we can gain a richer understanding of the social forces that shaped this seemingly simple image.