William J. "Kid" Gleason, Pitcher, Philadelphia, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

This 1888 trading card, part of the "Old Judge" series, features a portrait of William J. "Kid" Gleason, a pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies. Created by Goodwin & Company, the card is a sepia-toned photograph showcasing Gleason in a crouched pose, likely mid-pitch, with his hands outstretched. The image is framed by the card's border, which includes the "Old Judge" logo, a testament to the use of these cards for promoting the cigarette brand. This card, now in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a fascinating glimpse into the history of baseball and the early days of trading cards.