Thomas H. "Toad" Ramsey, Pitcher, Louisville Colonels, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

This is a baseball card of Thomas H. "Toad" Ramsey, a pitcher for the Louisville Colonels, created by Goodwin & Company as part of the Old Judge Cigarettes series. The card presents a sepia-toned image with a rectangular format, emphasizing Ramsey's figure against a blurred background. The composition is structured around the diagonal line created by the baseball bat, which crosses Ramsey's body. This line divides the frame and introduces a sense of dynamic tension. The image plays with semiotic codes of athleticism, using the uniform and bat as signs of his profession. Ramsey’s gaze adds another layer, challenging viewers to meet his eye. Consider that this card was made to promote cigarettes. What we see here is not just a baseball player, but a cultural artifact embedded in a complex network of commerce, representation, and early sports culture. It invites us to reflect on how images are constructed to convey meaning and value.