Welch, Center Field, Philadelphia Athletics, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

This 1888 card featuring baseball player "Welch, C. F. Athletics," is part of the *Old Judge* series, produced by Goodwin & Company for Old Judge Cigarettes. The card is a sepia-toned photograph, a popular medium during the late 19th century. Welch is depicted in action, bending down on the field, possibly fielding a ball. The card, measuring 2 11/16 x 1 3/8 in. (6.9 x 3.5 cm), is part of a collection of trading cards featuring baseball players, highlighting the growing popularity of the sport during the late 19th century. This card is now part of the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.