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

This 1888 "Old Judge" baseball card features Philadelphia Athletics center fielder, "Welch," in a batting pose. This card is one of 87 cards in the N172 series, created by Goodwin & Company. The series was intended to promote Old Judge cigarettes and depict prominent figures from the era, like baseball players. The black and white photo card depicts a realistic portrayal of Welch, showcasing early baseball uniforms and equipment. It is a valuable relic of American sports history, and its small dimensions suggest that it was intended for personal collections.