Myers C. Robinson, 3rd Base, Minneapolis, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

Goodwin & Company produced this baseball card of Myers C. Robinson around 1888 as part of the Old Judge Cigarettes series. The sepia tone lends a nostalgic air to the depicted action on the field, captured in a rectangular format designed for mass production. The composition is structured around the diagonal line of Robinson’s body, creating a dynamic sense of movement. This line is counterbalanced by the horizontal figure of the sliding player, resulting in a visually engaging contrast of vertical and horizontal forces. The limited tonal range emphasizes the forms, highlighting the textures of the uniforms. These baseball cards were essentially commercial products, but also representations of cultural values. The photographic realism suggests an objective capturing of an event, yet the framing and composition tell a carefully constructed story of athletic prowess and competitive spirit. The card is not merely a record; it is an artifact embedded in a network of meanings related to sport, commerce, and American identity.