Sowders, Pitcher, Boston, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

This 1888 baseball card from the *Old Judge* series features a portrait of Sowders, a pitcher for the Boston baseball team. The card is a classic example of the *trade card* genre, a popular form of advertising in the late 19th century. Produced by Goodwin & Company, the card showcases a photograph of Sowders in his baseball uniform, standing on a field. The card is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection and exemplifies the rise of collectible trading cards and their connection to popular culture.