T.C. Nicholson, 2nd Base, Cleveland, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887 - 1890

This 19th-century baseball card, part of the Old Judge series, features T.C. Nicholson, the second baseman for the Cleveland team. It is an example of the "trade card" genre popular in the late 19th century, and the image, created by Goodwin & Company, was intended to promote Old Judge cigarettes. The card, a sepia-toned photograph, shows Nicholson in a poised baseball pose, ready to field a ball. The card is an important artifact in the history of American baseball and its commercialization.