Al C. Hungler, Pitcher, Sioux City Corn Huskers, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1889

This photographic print from the Old Judge series, created by Goodwin & Company, captures Al C. Hungler, a pitcher for the Sioux City Corn Huskers. His pose, caught mid-motion, reveals more than just a baseball stance. The position of his hands and the careful balance of his body echo the countless images of offering, sacrifice, and ritualized action throughout history. Consider the ancient Greek sculptures of athletes, frozen in a moment of poised strength, or even the depictions of religious figures presenting offerings. Hungler's gesture transcends the baseball field, connecting him to a lineage of symbolic presentation. This pose, repeated across centuries in varying contexts, taps into our collective memory. It speaks to the psychological undercurrents of anticipation, power, and the human desire to master one’s environment. The image of Hungler, therefore, is more than a simple portrait; it is a resurgence of deeply ingrained cultural motifs. Thus, the motif persists, evolving from sacred rite to sporting spectacle, reminding us of the cyclical nature of symbols and their enduring power to resonate across time.