William C. Crossley, Catcher, Milwaukee, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1889

This 1889 baseball card features William C. Crossley, the catcher for the Milwaukee team, and is a part of the "Old Judge" series created by Goodwin & Company for Old Judge Cigarettes. The card depicts Crossley holding a bat and standing in a relaxed pose, wearing the traditional baseball uniform of the era. The card's simple design and black and white aesthetic reflect the popular photographic style of the late 19th century. The card is a testament to the growing popularity of baseball in the United States at the time and the rise of "trade cards" as an advertising medium.