Joseph "Reddy" Mack, 2nd Base, Louisville Colonels, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

This baseball card portraying Joseph "Reddy" Mack was created by Goodwin & Company in 1888 as part of the Old Judge Cigarettes series. The sepia tone gives the image a classical look. Mack is captured mid-swing, bat in hand, eye on the ball. The composition, though simple, directs our focus to the player's form and stance. Notice the use of lines – vertical in Mack's body, horizontal in his striped cap, and diagonal in the bat – creating a dynamic tension. The limited colour palette emphasizes shape and form, bringing a sense of immediacy to the scene. The baseball card format reflects broader artistic and philosophical concerns, where mass production and consumer culture intersect with individual identity. A semiotic system is subtly at play, where the baseball player signifies athletic prowess, and the advertisement underneath signifies commercial power. Ultimately, the card's enduring appeal lies in its ability to evoke nostalgia and celebrate the cultural significance of baseball.