William Benjamin "Shorty" Fuller, Shortstop, St. Louis Browns, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1889

This is a baseball card of William Benjamin "Shorty" Fuller, a shortstop for the St. Louis Browns, made by Goodwin & Company. The sepia tone gives the card a nostalgic feel, but it is the composition that draws our attention. Fuller is positioned in a crouch, ready for action, which creates a dynamic, diagonal line through the image. This contrasts with the more static background, emphasizing the player's readiness and potential energy. The use of text, both handwritten and printed, adds layers to the image. The handwritten copyright subtly overlays the background, while the printed text at the bottom anchors the image, framing Fuller's image within the commercial context of the Old Judge Cigarettes brand. The card exemplifies how early sports imagery was carefully constructed to convey not only the individual player's identity but also the values of the sport itself, framed within a specific commercial and cultural narrative.