Theodore A. "Ted" Kennedy, Pitcher, Omaha Omahogs/ Lambs, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1889

This is a baseball card of Theodore A. Kennedy, printed around 1888 by Goodwin & Company for Old Judge Cigarettes. Notice the baseball bat, an emblem of youthful energy, and the laced-up shirt, a common motif of this time. The laces, seemingly a mere detail, echo patterns found in ancient garments, and recall the binding rituals of past eras. This seemingly practical detail also evokes the idea of restraint and control—qualities vital for a successful pitcher. Consider also how such details tap into our collective memory. The laced design has resurfaced time and again through history, from the corsets of Renaissance Europe to modern-day sportswear. Each reappearance subtly alters its significance, yet each carries a trace of its past lives, engaging us on a deep, subconscious level. It is a powerful visual reminder of the cyclical nature of history itself.