George B. Treadway, Left Field, St. Paul Apostles, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888 - 1889

This small photographic card, produced by Goodwin & Company, depicts George B. Treadway of the St. Paul Apostles. But let’s consider the ball itself – a symbol of chance, skill, and, dare I say, fate. The act of catching, like that of Treadway, has echoes in earlier religious and mythological motifs. Think of Perseus receiving the mirrored shield from Athena, a protective device but also a tool for skillful deflection. Or consider David catching the stone that will bring down Goliath: both speak to a moment of challenge, a test of dexterity and courage. The anticipation of the ball mirrors the tension before the hero's act. The act of catching has been passed down through history, shifting in meaning. As such, sport mirrors deeper psychological processes—the competition and cooperation, anxiety and triumph—engaging viewers on a visceral, subconscious level. The act of catching here conveys a sense of readiness. This motif of the ball – the anticipation and skill – is a cyclical progression, resurfacing in different contexts, like the baseball field of 1888, each time taking on new meanings.