Boyle, Pitcher, Indianapolis, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887 - 1890

This Goodwin & Company baseball card, part of the Old Judge series, presents Boyle, a pitcher for Indianapolis. Here, the pitcher's throwing stance is not merely a depiction of athletic action, but a gesture laden with historical echoes. Observe the extended arm, reminiscent of classical images of orators, generals, and even deities, signaling power, command, and the projection of force. This archetype appears across time, from Roman sculptures to Renaissance paintings, embodying authority and control. Yet, here, it's transposed onto the humble baseball field. The gesture of throwing has ancient roots, like the discus thrower, yet it is updated into the rituals of modern sport. We can consider how such images become deeply ingrained in our collective memory. The baseball player, like figures of the past, is elevated to almost mythic status. A powerful force engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. This is a symbol with a cyclical progression, resurfacing, evolving, and taking on new meanings in modern baseball.