John Joseph "Joe" Gerhardt, 1st Base, Jersey City Skeeters, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

This 1888 "Old Judge" baseball card depicts John Joseph "Joe" Gerhardt, a first baseman for the Jersey City Skeeters. The card, part of the N172 series produced by Goodwin & Company for Old Judge Cigarettes, features a black and white photograph of Gerhardt in his baseball uniform, poised to throw the ball. The card's small size, typical for trade cards of the era, reflects its intended audience: consumers of Old Judge Cigarettes. The image exemplifies the popularity of baseball during this period, with trade cards becoming valuable collectibles for fans.