John Thomas Pickett, Shortstop, Kansas City Cowboys, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

This baseball card, produced by Goodwin & Company around 1888, presents John Thomas Pickett, a shortstop for the Kansas City Cowboys. The image is dominated by Pickett’s stance, bat held high, ready to strike. Here, the baseball bat takes on a symbolic meaning, evoking both power and the readiness to confront challenges. This motif of the raised object, poised for action, echoes through centuries. We see it in classical sculptures of warriors, and the raised baton of an orchestra conductor. Consider the emotional resonance—this stance triggers anticipation. It is the moment before action, before triumph or defeat. The evolution of such a gesture from ancient battlefields to modern baseball fields reveals a fascinating persistence of human emotion. These images tap into our collective memory, a shared understanding of readiness and resilience. Just as ancient warriors prepared for battle, Pickett stands ready on the baseball field, embodying the same primal emotions of anticipation and determination. It is a symbol that continues to resonate, reminding us of the timeless human drive to compete and overcome.