John F. "Cinders" O'Brien, Pitcher, Cleveland, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1889

This late 19th-century photograph by Goodwin & Company, features John F. "Cinders" O'Brien, a pitcher for Cleveland, rendered on a small card for Old Judge Cigarettes. Here, O’Brien holds a baseball bat, a symbol of power and skill, akin to a scepter in a royal portrait. Consider the bat not just as a tool for sport, but as an emblem, a modern-day caduceus. It connects the player to an ancient lineage of strength and prowess. We see echoes of this in Renaissance paintings, where a warrior's sword or a god's staff signified dominance and authority. The baseball bat evolves from a crude club to a refined instrument, mirroring humanity’s own journey from primal instincts to cultured pursuits. Yet, the underlying emotional charge remains; the thrill of the game, the desire for victory, and the primal satisfaction of striking true. These are enduring echoes that resonate across time, still stirring within us.