Ryan, Right Field, Chicago, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

This 1888 baseball card from the "Old Judge" series, created by Goodwin & Company, features Ryan, the right fielder for the Chicago team. The card is a sepia-toned photograph of Ryan in a catching position. The image, part of a larger set depicting baseball players, exemplifies the growing popularity of the sport in the late 19th century and the emerging collectible card market. The card's small size, measuring 2 11/16 x 1 3/8 in., highlights the evolving nature of print media and the rise of mass production. The image is currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.