John Montgomery Ward, Captain and Shortstop, New York, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887

This 1887 baseball card, part of the "Old Judge" series for Old Judge Cigarettes, features John Montgomery Ward, a famous shortstop and captain of the New York Giants. Printed by Goodwin & Company, the card depicts Ward in a dynamic pose, throwing a ball. The card itself is a typical example of late 19th-century baseball cards, showcasing a simple black and white portrait with minimal ornamentation, it was printed on a small sheet measuring just 3.5 x 6.9 cm. These cards were an early form of sports memorabilia and helped to build a following for the rapidly growing sport of baseball. The Metropolitan Museum of Art houses this piece, which provides a glimpse into the early history of baseball and the role of collectible cards.