Sullivan, Left Field, Chicago, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887

This photographic print from Goodwin & Company, circa 1887, presents M.C. Sullivan, a left fielder for Chicago, immortalized on a cigarette card. The baseball he holds becomes more than a mere object; it is a symbol of prowess, a modern-day scepter of athleticism. Consider the ball, a sphere laden with potential energy, reminiscent of ancient orbs signifying cosmic power. Think of the globus cruciger, where a similar sphere symbolizes earthly dominion under divine authority. Sullivan's baseball, then, transforms into an emblem of American sport, imbued with the hopes and dreams of a nation. The act of holding the ball itself carries weight. The poised readiness for action, hints at a deeper psychological readiness for facing challenges, a mirror of human resilience. Like a warrior brandishing his weapon, Sullivan grips the ball, ready to hurl it into the fray. These gestures transcend mere sporting action, embodying the primal readiness to face adversity, a trait that resonates across cultures and generations.