From time to time, Love of the Game locates curiosities within otherwise well-documented sets. As the bible for N172, the Goodwin & Co. photographic reference book shows how obscure player Lev Shreve appears on seven poses under #418, with one batting and six as a fielder. Since the time of that book's publication, an eighth pose is now known, catalogued as #418-8 but as of yet unpublished. The Trading Card Database titles this pose, "Batting looking at camera." Shreve holds his bat at shoulder level, with a direct look toward us, an image beautifully preserved on this card.

The qualifier for this PSA VG-EX 4 (MK) is haze along its nameplate, perhaps residue from being mounted inside an album or frame. Its condition is otherwise pleasing, with excellent image clarity and square edges. Corners show minimal wear, and centering sits a touch northward. Overall, a nice card with an interesting backstory, as we can wonder how its existence evaded the Goodwin & Co. photo authors during their exhaustive work.

Lev pitched well enough as a pro to last five seasons, but his lack of success for Indianapolis in 1888-89 ended those aspirations, and it's possible he returned to live and work in Kentucky, where his family held a prominent place in the community. His lasting memory via these eight N172 cards makes for an interesting legacy indeed.