Johnston, Center Field, Boston, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887

This is a baseball card from the "Old Judge" series, a set of collectible trading cards issued by Goodwin & Company in 1887 to promote Old Judge cigarettes. The card depicts a baseball player, Johnston, in a catching pose, showcasing the action and athleticism of the sport. The photograph is characteristic of 19th-century portraiture, with a simple background and focus on the subject. The card was originally part of a larger set of over 500 cards, each featuring a different player from the American Association of Professional Base Ball Players. It is an important historical artifact for baseball enthusiasts and collectors, offering a glimpse into the early days of professional baseball in America.