Willis, Pitcher, Omaha Omahogs/ Lambs, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1889

This chromolithograph, produced by Goodwin & Company around 1888, captures baseball pitcher Willis of the Omaha Omahogs. The sepia tones and compact format immediately place us in the late 19th century, yet the image's structure reflects a modern approach to visual culture. Willis is positioned dynamically; his gaze and the baseball in his raised hand create a focal point that draws the viewer into the action. The composition, however, is where the piece truly engages with semiotic systems. Willis's uniform bears the inscription "MAH," a symbolic representation of his team. His stance, captured mid-motion, serves as a signifier of athletic prowess and modern progress. Finally, consider the card's commodification as an advertisement for Old Judge Cigarettes. It highlights the burgeoning consumer culture of the time. By combining sport, celebrity, and marketing, Goodwin & Company’s chromolithograph not only captures a moment in baseball history but also comments on the evolving relationship between commerce, representation, and identity.