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

Art Historical Context

Step into the golden age of baseball with this petite albumen photograph Goodwin & Company's Old Judge series (N172), produced between 1887 and 1890 to promote Old Judge Cigarettes. Titled *Bill George, Pitcher New York*, it captures poised intensity of Bill George, a star hurler for a New York team, in a crisp portrait that embodies the era's athletic heroes. At just 2 11/16 x 1 3/8 inches, these cards were tucked into cigarette packs, sparking a collectingze among fans and marking one of the earliest forms of sports memorabilia. Albumen prints, made by coating paper with egg whites and silver salts, delivered the sharp detail and warm tones that made these cards so vivid—perfect for immortalizing players like George amid baseball's explosive rise as America's pastime. Issued by tobacco firms, they blended advertising savvy with cultural fandom, documenting the professionalization of the sport in the late 19th century. Today, this ephemera gem resides in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Jefferson R. Burdick Collection, a treasure trove of prints and photos gifted by the legendary collector. It reminds us how everyday objects preserved sports history, bridging art, commerce, and passion for the game.

About the Artist

Goodwin & Company · 1850–1950

**Goodwin & Company (ca. 1850–1950)** Goodwin & Company, originally established as E. Goodwin and Brother before the American Civil War, emerged as a prominent New York City-based tobacco manufacturer in the mid-19th century. Operating from the bustling heart of Manhattan, the firm built its reputation on popular cigarette brands such as Gypsy Queen and, most notably, Old Judge, which became syno...