Smith, Pitcher, Baltimore Orioles, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

Goodwin & Company made this photographic print in 1888 for the Old Judge Cigarettes series. This baseball card depicts Smith, a pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles, and was part of a marketing strategy to boost cigarette sales by including collectible cards with each pack. The image operates within a specific cultural and economic context, reflecting the growing popularity of baseball as a professional sport in the United States and the rise of consumer culture. Goodwin & Company used baseball imagery to appeal to a broad audience, tapping into the sport's widespread appeal and associating their product with athleticism and leisure. The baseball card also illustrates the intersection of sports, advertising, and celebrity culture, foreshadowing later developments in sports marketing and endorsement. Further research into the history of baseball, advertising, and consumer culture in the late 19th century would shed additional light on the significance of this image.