1888 Goodwin Champs (N162) - Or is it an 1889 issue ?

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Posted By: Ted Zanidakis

One of my all-time favorite sports card issues is the Old Judge
& Gypsy Queen Goodwin Champions set of 50 cards. The artistry
depicted in these beautiful little Tobacco cards has not been
equalled since. This set was produced during the hayday of the
lithographic color printing era in the late 19th Century.

It is cataloged as an 1888 set; however, some info depicted on
certain cards make me wonder if it was, perhaps issued in 1889.

1st.....The Fred Dunlap BB card identifies him as the Captain
of the Pittsburgh (Alleghenys) of the Nat. Lge. Well, he
was not this team's manager until 1889.

2nd.....The Football card of Henry Beecher identifies him as
the Capt. of the Yale team. He graduated in 1888; however,
was it in the summer or the fall ?

3rd.....Goodwin also produced a very colorful Album (cat A36)
depicting this set's 50 cards. The one I have contains a
neatly handwritten presentation on the cover dated: 1889.
Sure this is just an anectdotal example; however, it cer-
tainly aroused my curiosity regarding when these Tobacco
cards were really marketed ? I welcome any debate.