Willard Eben Mains, Pitcher, St. Paul Apostles, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1889

This is a collectible baseball card from the "Old Judge" series, produced by Goodwin & Company in 1889. The card features Willard Eben Mains, a pitcher for the St. Paul Apostles baseball team. The image is a black and white photograph, showing Mains in a pitching pose, with his uniform prominently displaying "St. Paul" on the chest. This type of card, known as a "trade card," was often included in cigarette packages, becoming a popular collectible for baseball fans during this era. The card's small size, measuring only 6.9 x 3.5 cm, reflects its intended purpose as a promotional item. The card is now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, highlighting the enduring legacy of these early baseball cards.