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

This late 19th-century baseball card, produced by Goodwin & Company, depicts John Montgomery Ward, a captain and shortstop for New York. Ward's stance, with his hand on his hip, is not merely a casual pose; it echoes the contrapposto seen in classical sculpture, a posture of relaxed confidence and authority. The baseball uniform itself is a symbol. Note its stripes, not unlike the ancient Roman toga that indicated citizenship and status. Here, the uniform signifies belonging and identity within the burgeoning culture of American baseball. Consider the cigarette brand stamped above his head, a subtle nod to how consumerism intertwines with heroism. It’s a stark reminder that even our idols are often packaged and sold to us, a theme that resonates across time, from ancient icons to modern-day celebrities. This card, seemingly simple, encapsulates layers of cultural meaning, revealing how images carry weight and evolve through the ages.