Shomberg, 1st Base, Indianapolis, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes

Art Historical Context

Step into the vibrant world of 19th-century baseball with *Shomberg, 1st Base, Indianapolis*, gem from Goodwin & Company's iconic Old Judge series (N), produced in 1887. This tiny albumen photograph captures the poised figure of Shomberg, baseman for the Indianapolis teamlikely the Hoosiers of the National League—showcasing the era's emerging sports heroes. Issued as promotional inserts in Old Judge Cigarettes packs, these cards were collectibles that fueled a craze among fans, blending tobacco marketing with America's pastime during baseball's professional boom. The albumen process, a hallmark of 19th-century photography, delivered crisp, detailed portraits on thin cards measuring just 2 11/16 x 1 3/8 inches, making them perfect pocket treasures. Goodwin & Company pioneered this series, producing over 1,700 variations featuring players in action poses, which preserved early athlete likenesses before widespread sports photography. Classified as ephemera in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department, this piece from The Jefferson R. Burdick Collection highlights how everyday advertising artifacts became invaluable records of cultural history. Today, it evokes nostalgia for baseball's grassroots origins, reminding us how cigarette cards democratized sports fandom and athlete celebrity long before modern trading cards. A snapshot of Gilded Age leisure and innovation!

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...