James G. Fogarty, Right Field, Philadelphia, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887

This is a baseball card of James G. Fogarty, right fielder for Philadelphia, created by Goodwin & Company around the late 19th century, part of the "Old Judge" series. It is printed on a small rectangular sheet. The sepia tone lends it a timeless feel, evoking a nostalgic sense of early baseball. The composition captures Fogarty in action, seemingly mid-catch, with arms raised and eyes focused on an unseen ball. The figure's posture—leaning back, one leg extended—creates a dynamic diagonal line that slices through the static rectangular frame. This tension adds an element of implied movement within the otherwise still image. Note how the text elements are placed in relation to the figure: the product name "Old Judge Cigarettes" arches above, while Fogarty's name and position are anchored below. This integration of text and image is a deliberate semiotic strategy, linking the player's athletic prowess with the brand. Consider how the card functions as a cultural artifact, embodying both commercial and sporting values, and how its meaning has shifted over time.