James Dickson "Dick" Phelan, 2nd Base, Des Moines Prohibitionists, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1889

This 1889 "Old Judge" baseball card, produced by Goodwin & Company and part of the N172 series, depicts James Dickson "Dick" Phelan, a second baseman for the Des Moines Prohibitionists. The card features a black-and-white photograph of Phelan in his baseball uniform, standing against a plain background. The image captures Phelan in a dynamic pose, his hands raised as if catching a fly ball. This type of card is a prime example of early baseball memorabilia and offers a glimpse into the sport's history. The card's small size and focus on a single player illustrate the evolving nature of sports cards in the late 19th century. It can be found in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.