Robert James "Bob" Gilks, Pitcher, Cleveland, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

This is a black and white photograph from the "Old Judge" series of trading cards featuring Robert James "Bob" Gilks, a pitcher for the Cleveland baseball team. The card, printed in 1888 by Goodwin & Company, features a full-length portrait of Gilks holding a baseball bat in a batting stance. The card was originally issued as a promotional item for Old Judge cigarettes and is now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection. This image captures the essence of the late 19th-century baseball card, showcasing the popular sport in its early days.