Gleason, Pitcher, Philadelphia, from the series Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

This 1888 photograph, "Gleason, Pitcher, Philadelphia," is part of the "Old Judge Cigarettes" series created by Goodwin & Company. The image depicts a baseball player, Gleason, in a posed portrait. He is wearing a dark uniform, cap, and boots. The background is a painted backdrop reminiscent of a field with trees and a river. These cards were popular collectibles in the late 19th century, offering fans a glimpse into the lives of their favorite baseball players. The Metropolitan Museum of Art houses this small but significant piece of baseball history.