James Dickson "Dick" Phelan, 2nd Base, Des Moines Prohibitionists, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1889

This is a baseball card of James Dickson "Dick" Phelan, a second baseman who played for the Des Moines Prohibitionists, a minor league baseball team in Iowa. The card was part of the "Old Judge" series of trading cards, produced by Goodwin & Company in 1889 to promote their Old Judge brand of cigarettes. It's an example of "baseball card art", and provides a glimpse into the history of baseball in the late 19th century. Goodwin & Company's "Old Judge" series is recognized as one of the most significant and historically valuable sets of baseball cards ever produced. The card features a black and white photograph of Phelan in his uniform, showcasing a typical baseball attire of the time. The card's small size, measuring only 2 11/16 x 1 3/8 inches, highlights the early nature of these trading cards.