Whitacre, Pitcher, Philadelphia Athletics, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

This 1888 baseball card, part of the "Old Judge" series by Goodwin & Company, depicts Philadelphia Athletics pitcher, Whitacre, in a full-body pose, gripping a baseball. The card is an example of "trade card" advertising, a common practice in the late 19th century, as it promotes Old Judge Cigarettes through the popularity of baseball. The photograph captures the player in mid-action, creating a sense of dynamism and excitement, typical of the era's sporting imagery. The card, measuring only 2 11/16 x 1 3/8 inches, is a charming glimpse into the world of late 19th-century American baseball.