Bill Collins, Catcher, New York, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887

In this 1887 photograph by Goodwin & Company, we see Bill Collins, a baseball catcher, poised with gloved hands raised, eyes fixed on the descending ball. This gesture of anticipation is a powerful symbol, echoing images of supplication and divine reception found across cultures. Consider the ancient orant figures, arms uplifted in prayer, or the classical depictions of Perseus receiving the Gorgon's head— a similar pose conveying readiness and a pivotal moment of action. In Collins' stance, we witness a secular echo of these ancient motifs. The emotional intensity of the game is palpable; Collins embodies a mixture of hope, focus, and vulnerability. The collective memory of such images resonates, engaging viewers on a subconscious level. The catcher's ready hands are not just a practical stance but a symbolic connection, reaching back through time, resurfacing in new contexts, and evolving with each telling.