William Walter "Wally" Andrews, 1st Base, Omaha Omahogs/Lambs, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1889

This is William Walter "Wally" Andrews, 1st Base, of the Omaha Omahogs/Lambs, created by Goodwin & Company around 1889 as part of the Old Judge series using a photographic process. The image presents a study in contrasts and textures. Andrews is centered, posed mid-action, which creates a dynamic visual tension within the rigid rectangular format. The stark sepia tones flatten the image, emphasizing surface and form. Andrews' figure, captured in sharp focus, is set against a blurred background, enhancing the figure-ground relationship. The composition directs our eye through a series of geometric relationships – the angle of Andrews' arms mirroring the slant of his legs, creating a balanced yet dynamic symmetry. The baseball he holds becomes a focal point, a perfect sphere in contrast to the linear elements of his uniform. The formal elements of the photograph create a sense of structured movement, drawing attention to the interplay of light and shadow that define Andrews' form. The image functions as a sign, not just of a baseball player, but of a cultural moment captured and preserved through the mechanics of early photography.