James B. "Jim" Donnelly, 3rd Base, Washington Nationals, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887

This baseball card of James B. Donnelly was produced by Goodwin & Company as part of the Old Judge series. Donnelly is depicted mid-toss, almost suspended in time, with the ball hovering above his hands. The ball, a simple sphere, has been a symbol of play and ritual across civilizations. From ancient games to modern sports, its symbolism transcends mere recreation. Consider its counterpart, the orb, a symbol of royalty and divine power. While different in context, both echo mankind's fascination with circular forms, representing completion, eternity, and the cyclical nature of life itself. Here, the baseball's ascent embodies human aspiration, reflecting our subconscious desire to reach for higher goals. This tension between the earthly pull and the yearning for the heavens is a timeless motif—a cultural echo reverberating through history. The image captures a fleeting moment, yet, in that fraction of time, it encapsulates an enduring human impulse.