Van Deren Coke 1975

Mike Mandel captured this image of Van Deren Coke, wielding a baseball bat, his cap emblazoned with a 'C'. Consider the baseball bat—not merely sporting equipment, but a modern scepter. It symbolizes power and dominance, echoing the club of Hercules. Coke’s stance is confrontational, his gaze unwavering. We’ve seen this pose before, haven't we? Think of ancient warriors with their spears, Renaissance portraits of rulers grasping their staffs. The 'C' on the cap might be a simple team logo, yet it invokes the Roman Empire’s use of initials to signify their legions. Symbols like the baseball bat or the letter 'C' act as cultural bridges, reminding us that humanity's deepest urges are to compete, conquer, and leave a lasting mark. Isn't it fascinating how these symbols resurface, molded by new contexts?