James Edward "Tip" O'Neill, Left Field, St. Louis Browns, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887 - 1890

This photographic card captures James Edward "Tip" O'Neill, the left fielder for the St. Louis Browns, and was produced by Goodwin & Company for Old Judge Cigarettes. Notice O'Neill's raised hands, poised to catch a ball. This gesture of anticipation is echoed through history, from ancient depictions of orants in prayer to Renaissance images of the Annunciation. The raised hands, a universal symbol of receptivity, speak to our shared human experience. Consider how this motif has been passed down, evolving from religious supplication to secular anticipation in this baseball card. It’s as if the subconscious memory of humankind is embedded in this simple gesture, a powerful force engaging us on a deep, instinctive level. This motif reflects the non-linear, cyclical progression of symbols, their resurfacing, evolving, and acquisition of new meanings across different historical contexts.