Curtis Benton Welch played most of three seasons for the Philadelphia Athletics from 1888 through 1890. He led the league with 39 doubles in 1889, and led the league in Hit By Pitches the other two years, with 29 in 1888 and 34 in 1890. He was hit by 36 in 1891, leading the league again, this time for the Baltimore Orioles of the American Association. Welch appears on seven poses in the N172 set. This issue depicts the Athletics Center Fielder striking a ball as he looks it into his bat.

The card's technical grade can quickly and easily be explained by a glance at the back. Paper loss, staining, and residue from a previous life inside a scrapbook or photo album are all present, but none of those issues affect the front. If you're worried only with how a card displays from the front, this one is for you because the front presents much nicer than its grade.  Centering is lovely, with decent corners and edges. Some light paper loss in the bottom right corner, and edge chipping on the right side, but the image itself is bold and clear with great contrast. Fantastic printing leaves the text perfectly legible.