Bill George, Pitcher, New York, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887

This is a baseball card of Bill George, a pitcher for New York, produced around 1887 by Goodwin & Company for Old Judge Cigarettes. The image, a small albumen print, offered consumers a collectible glimpse into the burgeoning world of professional baseball. These cards weren't just innocent pastimes; they served as powerful marketing tools, embedding the culture of baseball within the everyday consumption habits of Americans. Consider, for example, how the commercialization of sports influenced the perception of athletes, turning them into celebrities and commodities. To fully understand this card, we can turn to resources, such as period newspapers and business records. Doing so might reveal insights into the strategies of tobacco companies, the evolving culture of baseball fandom, and the social values reflected in these early sports icons. This card is a reminder that art, even in its most commercial forms, is a product of specific social conditions and institutional forces.