Myers C. Robinson, 3rd Base, Minneapolis, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

This card, made around 1888 by Goodwin & Company for Old Judge Cigarettes, depicts Myers C. Robinson of Minneapolis, a baseball player. The image is simple, yet it carries the weight of a changing world. Observe the baseball bat he holds. It's more than mere sporting equipment; it's a scepter of modern athleticism. Consider how the baton has transformed, from a simple stick to a tool of ritualized play. Think back to ancient Greece, where similar staves symbolized power and authority. The gesture of holding the bat, ready for action, is an echo of warriors past, poised for battle. The baseball itself, hovering beside him, becomes a symbol of potential and chance. It is propelled from one generation to the next, morphing into a potent symbol of progress, competition, and the relentless pursuit of victory. It is a non-linear trajectory, always evolving, reflecting our deepest aspirations and anxieties.