Paul Cook, Catcher, Louisville Colonels, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

This 1888 baseball card from the "Old Judge" series depicts Paul Cook, catcher for the Louisville Colonels, in a classic pose, holding a ball in his mitt. The card was produced by Goodwin & Company as part of a set of cards issued by the Old Judge Cigarette Factory. The card's sepia tone, characteristic of late 19th-century photography, captures the spirit of the era. Featuring a full-length portrait of Cook, the card showcases both his athleticism and the unique style of baseball uniforms of the time. This card, now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, remains a popular collectible amongst fans of both baseball and early American trade cards.