James Dickson "Dick" Phelan, 2nd Base, Des Moines Prohibitionists, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888 - 1889

This is a sepia-toned photograph from the "Old Judge" series of trading cards, created by Goodwin & Company in 1888-1889. The card depicts James Dickson "Dick" Phelan, a second baseman for the Des Moines Prohibitionists baseball team. The card is a prime example of the collectible trading cards that were popularized in the late 19th century, using athlete images to advertise products like cigarettes, such as Old Judge. The card is on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.