Abram Harding "Hardy" Richardson, Left Field, Detroit Wolverines, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887

This 1887 baseball card from the *Old Judge* series features Abram Harding "Hardy" Richardson, a left fielder for the Detroit Wolverines, and is a prime example of 19th-century American sports ephemera. The card, produced by Goodwin & Company, utilizes a straightforward photographic style to capture Richardson in action, ready to catch a ball with a focused expression on his face. It exemplifies the popularity of baseball cards in the late 19th century, as collectors sought to own images of their favorite players, often distributed with tobacco products like Old Judge cigarettes. The card, measuring 2 11/16 x 1 3/8 inches, remains a coveted item among baseball card collectors.