The first series of cards in the T206 set were issued beginning in 1909 in cigarette and loose tobacco packs through 16 different brands owned by the American Tobacco Company. It is a landmark set in the history of baseball card collecting due to its size and rarity, with cards of over 500 major and minor-league players issued in the set through 1911. It is known informally as the "White Border" set due to the distinctive white borders surrounding the quality color lithographs on each card.

Despite playing just four seasons in the majors, "Jap" Barbeau played 13 seasons in the American Association and Pacific Coast league, belting 1,463 lifetime hits. He spent two seasons as a platoon infielder with St. Louis, with whom he is pictured here. Centering is lovely with sharp corners and great edges. The white border is sparkling clean on three sides, with only the left looking a little soiled, though that is mostly due to a small registration error which has struck the yellow layer slightly over into that left edge. The Piedmont back is bold and dark, with one main spot of tobacco staining.