Cunningham, Pitcher, Philadelphia, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

This photographic baseball card, created by Goodwin & Company, features pitcher Cunningham in a stoic pose, hands clenched before him. This gesture of clasped hands – seemingly simple – echoes across centuries. Think back to ancient Roman sculptures, where similar gestures symbolized preparedness, strength, and control. In this context, the ballplayer embodies a similar readiness, poised before action. But here, the emotional pitch shifts; the pose is more internal, suggesting anticipation, and the weight of expectation. We see how symbols evolve, adapted for new cultural rituals. This posture has been passed down through history, shifting from religious to secular, reflecting a deeply ingrained human need to assert control in the face of uncertainty. Like a modern-day gladiator, he prepares for his sporting battle.