Kelly, Right Field, Philadelphia, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

This is a baseball card of “Kelly, Right Field, Philadelphia”, produced by Goodwin & Company for Old Judge Cigarettes. Note the baseball player holding two balls in his outstretched hands; this gesture is a symbolic offering. Throughout history, extending one’s hands in this way has served as an invitation, a sign of trust, and a giving of oneself. Think back to ancient Roman art where emperors offered open palms to their legions, or even earlier, to religious iconography where deities bestowed gifts upon humanity. This simple action connects us across millennia. It transcends its immediate purpose, and becomes a moment of shared humanity. It is a deeply ingrained, almost subconscious understanding, resonating on a primal level. The act of offering persists, transforming in meaning yet retaining its core essence. It has evolved, it has adapted, but at its heart, it remains a testament to our shared human experience.