Clarkson, Pitcher, Chicago, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887

This 1887 "Old Judge" baseball card depicts pitcher "Clarkson" of the Chicago White Stockings (now known as the Chicago Cubs). The card is a part of a series of cards commissioned by Goodwin & Company to be distributed with Old Judge Cigarettes, a popular brand at the time. The card features Clarkson in his uniform, mid-throw, with the team's name visible across his chest. This card, like other Old Judge cards, showcases the increasing popularity of baseball as a national pastime in the late 19th century and the growing use of images in advertising.