Parke B. Swartzel, Pitcher, Kansas City Cowboys, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

This 1888 baseball card from the "Old Judge" series, produced by Goodwin & Company, features Parke B. Swartzel, a pitcher for the Kansas City Cowboys. The black and white photograph showcases Swartzel in a dynamic pose, mid-pitch, with his arm extended towards the viewer. This card, measuring just 2 11/16 x 1 3/8 inches, is a prime example of early baseball trading cards, which were often distributed with packs of cigarettes. It serves as a glimpse into the history of the sport and the evolution of card collecting.