Tommy McCarthy, Center Field, St. Louis Browns, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes
1887–89
Medium
Albumen photograph
Dimensions
sheet: 2 11/16 x 1 3/8 in. (6.9 x 3.5 cm)
Classification
Photographs|Ephemera
Department
Drawings and Prints
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
The Jefferson R. Burdick Collection, Gift of Jefferson R. Burdick
Accession Number
63.350.215.172.1540
Tags
Art Historical Context
Step into the golden age of baseball with *Tommy McCarthy, Center, St. Louis Browns a gem from Goodwin & Company's Old Judge series (N172), produced between 1887 and 1889. This petite albumen photograph, measuring just 2 11/16 x 1 3/8 inches, captures the poised portrait of Tommy McCarthy, star center fielder for the St. Browns of the American Association. Tucked into packs of Old Judge Cigarettes, these cards were pioneering collectibles that fueled America's growing obsession with the national pastime during its professional infancy. As part of one of the earliest comprehensive baseball car...
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...