Connor, 1st Base, New York, from the series Old Judge Cigarettes

Art Historical Context

Step into the bustling world of 1880s baseball with *Connor, 1st Base, New York*, a captivating albumen photograph from Goodwin & Company's iconic *Old Judge Cigarettes*, produced in 1887 This cabinet card captures Roger Connor, a star first baseman for the New York Giantsthen part of the National League), confidently in his uniform. At 6 1/2 x 4 3/8 inches, it's a pocket-sized portal to America's growing obsession with professional sports, where players like Connor—known for his power hitting and record-setting home runs—became early celebrities. Goodwin & Company, a tobacco firm, pioneered these cards as promotional inserts in cigarette packs, distributing millions and sparking the baseball card craze. Albumen prints, made by coating paper with egg whites and silver salts, delivered sharp, luminous details that highlighted Connor's athletic prowess and the era's sporting culture. This technique was cutting-edge for mass-produced photography, blending artistry with commerce. Housed in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Jefferson R. Burdick Collection, this ephemera exemplifies how everyday objects documented cultural shifts—from tobacco marketing to baseball's rise as national pastime. A fun fact: *Old Judge* cards featured over 1,700 players, making them treasures for collectors today.

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...