George D. Myers, Catcher, Indianapolis, from the series Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

This baseball card featuring George D. Myers, Catcher, from Indianapolis, was created by Goodwin & Company around 1888 as part of the "Old Judge Cigarettes" series. The sepia tone and the subject's direct gaze create a compelling, yet straightforward composition. The photograph's structure highlights a tension between the individual and the commercial. Myers is captured mid-action, yet posed, holding a baseball bat. The linear form of the bat contrasts with the soft gradient of the background, creating depth. The text, "Copyright 1888 Goodwin & Co." and "Old Judge Cigarettes" frames Myers, turning him into both an athlete and a commodity. The work functions on multiple levels – it’s an early form of sports memorabilia, a promotional tool, and a snapshot of a cultural moment. The formal elements—the monochromatic palette, the strategic text placement, and the focused pose—work together to promote both the player and the product. The card offers a glimpse into the evolving relationship between sports, celebrity, and consumer culture.