Lyons, 3rd Base, Philadelphia Athletics, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

This small, sepia-toned baseball card was produced by Goodwin & Company around 1888 as part of the "Old Judge" series. The card features Lyons, a third baseman for the Philadelphia Athletics, posed with a bat. The composition is simple and direct, dominated by the figure of the baseball player. The sepia tones lend a nostalgic, almost romantic quality to the image, typical of photographic prints from this era. Note the subtle contrast between the light tones of his uniform and the darker background and trousers, which delineates his form, lending an overall sense of balance. The backdrop, appearing almost like a painted stage set, flattens the depth of field, pushing the figure forward. This collapsing of space draws attention to the material qualities of the photograph itself. Consider the semiotic implications; the card functions as both an advertisement and a collectible, embedding commercial and cultural values into a small, portable object. As a sign, it not only represents Lyons but also the broader cultural phenomenon of baseball and its integration into American life. Ultimately, this card functions as a cultural artifact.