G. Smith, Shortstop, Brooklyn Bridegrooms, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

This is a baseball card from the Old Judge series, printed by Goodwin & Company. It features G. Smith, a shortstop for the Brooklyn Bridegrooms. Observe the baseball in Smith’s hand. The ball, a symbol of potential and action, has ancient roots. The sphere, a universal motif, appears in diverse cultural expressions from antiquity onward. Think of the globus cruciger, symbolizing earthly power, or the orbs held by classical gods, each reflecting dominion over aspects of the cosmos. Yet here, the sphere is of a different nature. The baseball embodies the spirit of the game, resonating with themes of competition, chance, and skill. Consider the communal aspect: the game and the collecting of these cards offer the moderns something to enjoy together, binding communities through shared passions, a collective emotional experience. This is the power of images: they are not static but alive, influencing our cultural memory.