Fred "Dandelion" Pfeffer, 2nd Base, Chicago, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887

This small photographic card from the Old Judge series, made by Goodwin & Company, captures Fred "Dandelion" Pfeffer in action. The sepia tones give it a nostalgic feel, while the composition focuses on the geometry of the baseball diamond. Pfeffer is centered, his stance forming an isosceles triangle with the ground, echoed by the distant cityscape’s angular buildings. The curve of his arm mirrors the implied arc of the baseball, creating a dynamic tension. The image is framed by text, asserting his name and team, but also the commercial imprint of the cigarette factory. This merging of athleticism and advertising reflects late 19th-century America's burgeoning consumer culture. Ultimately, the card functions as a semiotic object, where Pfeffer's image is both a representation of athletic prowess and a signifier for the Old Judge brand. The photograph's inherent realism is thus mediated by its function as a commodity, blurring the lines between sport, commerce, and representation.