William Franklin "Bill" Traffley, Catcher, Des Moines Prohibitionists, 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 the Old Judge series (N), produced by Goodwin & in 1888. Titled *William Franklin "Bill" Traffley, Catcher, Moines Prohibitionists*, it captures the stern gaze and poised stance of Traffley, a key player for the minor-league Des Moines team. Measuring just 2 11/16 x 1 3/8 inches, this tiny portrait was designed as a collectible insert in Old Judge cigarette packs, blending sports heroism with tobacco marketing. Albumen prints, made by coating paper with egg whites and silver salts, delivered the crisp detail that made these cards so appealing to fans and collectors. Goodwin & Company's series revolutionized baseball ephemera, featuring over 2,000 player images and helping popularize the sport during its professional boom in the late 1880s. The team name "Prohibitionists" nods to the era's temperance movement, adding a quirky cultural layer to Traffley's legacy as a dedicated catcher. Today, housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Jefferson R. Burdick Collection—a treasure trove of vintage cards—this piece highlights how everyday objects preserved athletic history, bridging art, commerce, and America's pastime.

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...