James Henry O'Rourke, 3rd Base, New York, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887

This 1887 "Old Judge" baseball card features a portrait of James Henry O'Rourke, the third baseman for the New York Metropolitans, created by Goodwin & Company. O'Rourke, nicknamed "Jim", is depicted in a three-quarter stance, poised to make a play, capturing the excitement of 19th-century baseball. Part of a larger series of cards, these were given away with Old Judge cigarettes, showcasing the popularity of the sport and the role of advertising in its development. The card is an iconic example of early baseball ephemera, capturing a moment in baseball history with its simple yet striking imagery.