George A. Wood, Left Field, Philadelphia, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887

This small photograph, made by Goodwin & Company around 1887, features George A. Wood, a baseball player for Philadelphia. He stands in profile, gripping a bat, a symbol of power and readiness. The bat is more than just a sporting tool; it echoes the club or staff seen in ancient depictions of gods and heroes, signifying authority and strength. This motif transcends time, appearing in different forms across cultures, from the scepter of a king to the wand of a magician. The gesture of holding the bat, poised and expectant, taps into our collective memory of anticipation, a primal readiness for action. This anticipation resonates deeply, engaging viewers on a subconscious level, as it evokes a sense of potential energy waiting to be unleashed. Like the resurfacing of ancient symbols, the bat has evolved, taking on new meanings in different historical contexts, yet still echoing its primordial roots.