A Low Ball, from the Talk of the Diamond set (N135) issued by Duke Sons & Co., a branch of the American Tobacco Company 1888

"A Low Ball," from the "Talk of the Diamond" set, is a colorful lithograph created by W. Duke, Sons & Co. in 1888 as a trade card for their brand of tobacco. The card depicts a baseball player standing at home plate, while in the background, a group of African Americans dances and enjoys music. The card showcases a playful and humorous perspective on the sport of baseball and its connection to social life during the late 19th century. This trade card, now a part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, exemplifies the use of visual imagery in commercial advertising during this period, and offers a glimpse into the cultural context of baseball and African American life.