William Theodore "Billy" Crowell, Pitcher, Cleveland, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes

Art Historical Context

Step into the vibrant world of 19th-century baseball with this petite albumen photograph from 1887, featuring William "Billy" Crowell the pitcher for Cleveland's team. Produced by Goodwin & as part of the iconic Old Judge series (N), this card was tucked into packs of Old Judge Cigarettes sparking one of America's earliest collecting crazes. At just 2 11/16 x 1 3/8 inches, its tiny scale belies its role as ephemera—affordable, portable snapshots of sports heroes that turned fans into avid traders. Albumen prints, the gold standard of photography in the era, lent these cards their sharp detail...

About the Artist

Goodwin & Company · 1850–1950

**Goodwin & Company (ca. 1850–1950)** Goodwin & Company, originally established as E. Goodwin and Brother before the American Civil War, emerged as a prominent New York City-based tobacco manufacturer in the mid-19th century. Operating from the bustling heart of Manhattan, the firm built its reputation on popular cigarette brands such as Gypsy Queen and, most notably, Old Judge, which became syno...