Conway, Pitcher, Boston, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887

This small card, produced around 1887 by Goodwin & Company, features Conway, a pitcher for Boston, as part of the Old Judge Cigarettes series. Note how Conway holds a baseball aloft in his right hand, presenting the sphere almost as if it were an offering. The sphere, one of the most primordial symbols, is found in cultures across the globe. Think of globes representing earthly dominion, or orbs signifying divine authority. In Conway’s case, the ball is a tool of his profession. It is a weapon, and a symbol of his mastery of the game. His control over it implies prowess, strength, and a capability to influence outcomes. Like Fortuna with her wheel, Conway presents the ball of fate. It is a reminder that within this seemingly simple game lies the potential for victory or defeat, a continuous cycle reflected across human history. The baseball, thus, transcends its immediate context to resonate with deeper, more primal notions of power, skill, and destiny.