Charles Marv "Pop" Smith, Shortstop, Pittsburgh, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887

Here is the audio guide script for the artwork provided: Printed by Goodwin & Company in 1887, this card from the Old Judge series captures Charles Marv "Pop" Smith, a shortstop for Pittsburgh. Smith is seen in a crouched position, his hands close to the ground as he fields a baseball. This gesture of bending down, of touching the earth, carries deep symbolic weight. Think of the ancient rituals of grounding oneself, connecting with the earth's energy, or the farmer sowing seeds—a posture of humility and preparation. Even today, we see echoes of this in yoga's grounding poses. But how has this symbol transformed? Consider ancient depictions of athletes, poised and ready, channeling earthly strength. Now, reflect on Smith, his body bent not in triumph but in anticipation. The collective memory of human potential is present here, combined with the groundedness of earth. In Smith's pose, we find a potent blend of humility, strength, and anticipation that resonate across cultures and epochs. It’s a reminder of how symbols evolve, resurface, and acquire new meanings as they journey through time.