Hugh N. "Little Nick" Nicol, Right Field, Cincinnati, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

Goodwin & Company created this baseball card of Hugh N. "Little Nick" Nicol for Old Judge Cigarettes, around 1888. The sepia-toned card captures Nicol in the midst of action. The composition emphasizes the dynamism of the figure, his posture suggesting a poised anticipation. The lines of his body create a sense of forward motion, and his outstretched hands frame an unseen baseball. The restricted palette enhances the texture of the card, evoking a sense of nostalgia. The figure is offset by a blurred background, drawing attention to the baseball player. As a mass-produced object, this card served a dual purpose. It was both a piece of sports memorabilia and an advertisement. It existed within the capitalist structures of the time, functioning as a signifier for both athletic prowess and consumer culture. This intertwining of sport and commerce reflects a broader societal trend of commodifying leisure and entertainment.