Thomas J. Flood, Pitcher, St. Joseph Clay Eaters, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1889

Goodwin & Company created this baseball card of Thomas J. Flood around 1889 as part of an advertisement for Old Judge Cigarettes. The sepia tone flattens the image, drawing our attention to the figure’s stark posture and the geometric forms that compose the portrait. Flood is centered, his hands clasped, seemingly mid-pitch, creating a dynamic tension between stillness and action. The composition is bisected by his body, dividing the space into a neutral background and the textual information below. This division highlights the card's dual function: a celebration of athleticism and a commercial product. The text itself is structured, with the brand name “Old Judge” acting as a bold signifier, anchoring the image to its intended purpose. Note how the hard edges of the card contrast with the soft, almost blurred, photographic image. It underscores the ephemeral nature of both fame and commodity, reminding us that even in the realm of heroes and brands, everything is subject to time and change.