Frank J. "The Texas Wonder" Hoffman, Pitcher, Denver, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887 - 1890

This sepia-toned photograph is a portrait of Frank J. "The Texas Wonder" Hoffman, a baseball pitcher for the Denver team, from the "Old Judge" series of trading cards created by Goodwin & Company between 1887-1890. The photograph, which is housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, depicts Hoffman in a baseball uniform, with the "O" from "Denver" clearly visible on his chest, while throwing a pitch. The image exemplifies a style of art known as *carte de visite*, a small-format photograph, which was popular during the late 19th century. These cards were often collected and traded, and they provide a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people during that time.