Hamilton, Left Field, Philadelphia, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887 - 1890

Goodwin & Company crafted this baseball card of Hamilton, a left fielder for Philadelphia, as part of a promotional series for Old Judge Cigarettes. Hamilton is depicted mid-action, his hands raised near his face. Note how the gesture of covering the mouth is an ancient motif—a sign of contemplation, secrecy, or even fear. Consider the orators of ancient Greece, who would cover their mouths to modulate their voices, projecting power. Now see how this is transformed into an image of a baseball player, perhaps pondering his next move. The act of covering one's mouth resonates deeply within our collective psyche. It speaks to moments of uncertainty and reflection. These subtle gestures connect us across centuries, evolving from symbols of oration to the ball field. This image captures the enduring power of symbols. It reveals how our shared memories and subconscious understandings surface in unexpected forms.