William Henry "Bill" Holbert, Catcher, New York Metropolitans, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

This 1888 baseball card from the *Old Judge* series, featuring William Henry "Bill" Holbert, a catcher for the New York Metropolitans, is a prime example of 19th-century American sports memorabilia. The card, a black and white photograph, shows Holbert in a catching stance, emphasizing his role on the team. The image's simplicity highlights Holbert's athleticism and the emerging popularity of baseball as a national pastime. The card, part of a larger series produced by Goodwin & Company for Old Judge Cigarettes, reflects the era's unique advertising strategies, combining sports with tobacco products. Today, this card is a valuable piece of baseball history, showcasing the early days of professional baseball and the evolution of sports marketing.