Edward James "Big Ed" Delahanty, 2nd Base, Philadelphia, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1889

This is a photograph of "Big Ed" Delahanty, a baseball player for Philadelphia, produced by Goodwin & Company as part of a series of baseball cards for Old Judge Cigarettes. The baseball bat, clutched firmly in Delahanty’s hands, is more than mere sporting equipment; it is a modern-day scepter. Holding it across his body it symbolizes strength and readiness. We see this type of symbol echoed in ancient cultures. The scepter or staff carried by rulers, pharaohs and emperors was a symbol of their power and authority. Consider the evolution: From a symbol of divine right to one of athletic prowess. This evolution speaks to a shift in societal values, where the hero is no longer just the ruler but also the champion of the playing field. The collective memory of power now resides in the hands of those who wield the bat with skill, transforming the game into a theater of dreams.