Willis, Pitcher, Omaha Omahogs/ Lambs, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1889

This 1889 baseball card, part of the “Old Judge” series by Goodwin & Company, features Omaha pitcher Willis P. in a classic portrait pose. The monochrome photograph depicts Willis in his uniform, ready to pitch. The card, which was originally printed on a sheet measuring 2 11/16 x 1 3/8 inches, exemplifies the late 19th-century trend of using collectible cards to promote cigarette brands. This card is a notable example of early baseball card design, showcasing a simple yet effective approach to capturing the likeness of a player. Today, the card is housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.