Clean card of defensive catching wizard "Doc" Bushong from the N172 Old Judge and its desirable St. Louis "Brown's Champions" subset. That team won its American Association title under HOF manager and owner Charles Comiskey, beating the White Stockings 4 games to 2. Some collectors pursue this subset for its distinctive striped caps and detailed uniforms, which stand out among 19th Century squads. Bushong himself practiced dentistry as his main occupation, hence the "Doc" nickname.

Even mid-grade Old Judge cards prove tough to find today, let alone those with clean surfaces and good contrast. This SGC VG 3 grade reflects its touched corners, toning on the reverse, and flecks along the bottom edge. Its population report shows ten SGC-graded examples, with just one higher!

Look for other 1886 Brown's Champions Old Judge singles in this Love of the Game auction.