William Shenkel, Pitcher, Milwaukee, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

This is a black and white photograph from the "Old Judge" series of baseball cards, produced by Goodwin & Co. in 1888, and features William Shenkel, a pitcher for the Milwaukee team. It's a classic example of the "trade card" genre, used in the 19th century to advertise products. The image depicts Shenkel in a posed baseball uniform, holding his glove, showcasing a sense of action and athleticism. The card is a valuable historical artifact for collectors interested in baseball history, as it provides a glimpse into the early days of the sport and the evolving role of baseball card collecting.