Gunning, Catcher, Philadelphia Athletics, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887

This 1887 "Old Judge" baseball card features Philadelphia Athletics catcher Connie Mack, depicted in a characteristic pose while catching a baseball. Created by Goodwin & Company, the card is a fine example of the late 19th-century "trade card" genre, which used images to promote products, in this case, Old Judge Cigarettes. The card's simple yet evocative design captures the spirit of a popular sport during a time when baseball was rapidly gaining popularity.