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

This 1888 "Old Judge" baseball card, created by Goodwin & Company, features Parke B. Swartzel, a pitcher for the Kansas City Cowboys. This collectible card, part of a larger series promoting Old Judge cigarettes, showcases a portrait-style image of Swartzel in his uniform, offering a glimpse into the fashion and baseball culture of the late 19th century. The Metropolitan Museum of Art houses this card, measuring 2 11/16 x 1 3/8 inches. The card's simple yet striking design, with its focus on the player's image and team affiliation, exemplifies the early days of sports trading cards.