William C. Crossley, Catcher, Milwaukee, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1889

This 1889 lithograph by Goodwin & Company is a trading card from the "Old Judge" series, produced by the Old Judge Cigarette Factory to promote their product. The card depicts William C. Crossley, a catcher for the Milwaukee team, in a dynamic pose, ready to catch a ball. This card is part of a larger series featuring baseball players, and its small size and simple design reflect the aesthetics of the late 19th century. The image is a snapshot of a moment in baseball history, capturing the enthusiasm and popularity of the sport at the time.