John Montgomery Ward, Captain and Shortstop, New York, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887

This baseball card, part of Goodwin & Company's "Old Judge" series, captures John Montgomery Ward in sepia tones. The composition centers on Ward's dynamic stance, a moment of poised action, ready to throw. Note the use of diagonal lines formed by his body, contrasting with the horizontal stripes of his shirt. These lines, bisecting the card's rectangular frame, create a sense of movement and tension. It is a fascinating interplay between form and function, where the subject's pose echoes the card's purpose: to capture and freeze a moment of athletic prowess. This tension reflects the era's fascination with capturing movement, an endeavor also pursued by photographers like Muybridge. This card, then, becomes more than a simple portrait; it is a study in dynamic form and a cultural artifact, speaking to the burgeoning commercialization of sport.