Robert Emmerke, Pitcher, Des Moines Prohibitionists, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1889

This is a baseball card featuring Robert Emmerke, a pitcher for the Des Moines Prohibitionists, from the "Old Judge" series of trading cards. Produced by Goodwin & Company in 1889, these cards were distributed with Old Judge cigarettes. The card captures Emmerke in a classic baseball pose, wearing a cap and uniform, and ready to throw a ball. It is an excellent example of a "trade card", a type of advertising that was common in the late 19th century. It is now in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.