Baldwin, Pitcher, Chicago, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887

This 1887 baseball card features pitcher, "Baldwim", from the Chicago team, and is part of the "Old Judge" series created for Old Judge Cigarettes. It is a black and white photograph of the player in uniform holding a bat, with a building and a fence visible in the background. The image, which is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection, is typical of the era's trade cards and was produced by the Goodwin & Company. This card is a collectible example of early sports-themed advertising, using athletes to market cigarettes. The piece exemplifies the evolving nature of sports marketing, showcasing the use of athletes as brand ambassadors.