George W. McVey, Catcher, St. Joseph Clay Eaters, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1889

This 1889 trading card, part of the *Old Judge* series for Old Judge Cigarettes, features George W. McVey, a catcher for the St. Joseph Clay Eaters baseball team. Created by the printing and publishing company Goodwin & Company, the card showcases McVey in a full-length portrait, holding his hands out in front of him, wearing a baseball uniform and cap. The image is characteristic of the late 19th-century trend of using baseball cards to promote brands like Old Judge Cigarettes. The card is a prime example of Americana and the popularity of baseball during the period. The image is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection.