Bassett, 2nd Base, New York, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887 - 1890

This baseball card of Bassett, 2nd Base, New York, was part of the Old Judge series by Goodwin & Company. The sepia tone and small format give it an intimate, almost nostalgic feel. The figure of Bassett is carefully composed within the frame, his stance and gaze create a balanced yet dynamic tension. Bassett stands with a baseball bat over his shoulder. He appears ready and prepared. The Old Judge series reflects the semiotic codes of its time, using the then-popular baseball players to signify health, athleticism, and the cultural values associated with the sport. By distributing these cards with cigarettes, Goodwin & Company linked these desirable traits with their product, embedding a specific value system within everyday consumer culture. Note how the formal presentation of Bassett, with his clear posture, engages with broader ideas about representation and identity in late 19th-century America. These images served not only as collectibles but also as powerful symbols of the era's ideals and aspirations.