William Theodore "Billy" Crowell, Pitcher, St. Joseph Clay Eaters, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

Goodwin & Company created this baseball card of William Theodore "Billy" Crowell, a pitcher for the St. Joseph Clay Eaters, as part of the Old Judge Cigarettes series. The sepia tones and compressed dimensions give it a character. The composition emphasizes Crowell's form, captured mid-motion, glancing over his shoulder. The muted palette underscores the textures of his uniform. His posture, with a slight twist of the torso, suggests a moment of reflection rather than active play. This, combined with the slightly blurred background, evokes a sense of suspended time. These cards functioned as both collectible items and advertisements. They served as signifiers of cultural values, representing the burgeoning popularity of baseball and the associated ideals of athleticism. The card’s structure itself, with its inscription of the ‘Old Judge’ brand, reinforces a cultural code of consumption and leisure.