George Washington "Grin" Bradley, 3rd Base, Sioux City Corn Huskers, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1889

This sepia photograph, printed by Goodwin & Company for Old Judge Cigarettes, shows George Washington "Grin" Bradley of the Sioux City Corn Huskers, around 1889. The baseball bat he holds is more than just a sporting tool; it's a symbol of power, a modern-day scepter. Consider the evolution of the staff as a symbol of authority, from the ancient Egyptian scepters to the bishop's crozier. The baseball bat, in this context, inherits that lineage. But here, it transforms into a symbol of American prowess and the burgeoning culture of sport. This echoes rituals in ancient athletic competitions, like the Olympic Games, where athletes embodied the values and aspirations of their societies. Notice the intense gaze and poised stance. The image captures a moment pregnant with potential, reflecting a collective desire for triumph. In the rise of American baseball we see a reflection of a culture seeking heroes, projecting subconscious hopes and fears onto these athletic figures.