William Walter "Wally" Andrews, 1st Base, Omaha Omahogs/Lambs, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1889

This photolithograph of William Walter "Wally" Andrews was made in 1889 by Goodwin & Company as part of the Old Judge Cigarettes series. Andrews is depicted mid-motion, ball suspended just above his reaching hands, a gesture reminiscent of countless depictions of offering or supplication. Consider the raised hands, a universal symbol that echoes through time. From ancient frescoes where orants—figures with raised hands—plead to deities, to the Christian iconography of prayer and absolution, this gesture speaks to a deep-seated human desire for connection, protection, and intervention. Observe the baseball itself, hovering between the player’s hands. This modern sphere is imbued with a similar yearning as those ancient images, representing the hopes and dreams of fans and the aspirations of the athlete. The collective excitement, fear, and anticipation of the game become concentrated in this single object. The symbols in this simple baseball card engage viewers on a profound, subconscious level. It represents our unending quest for meaning and connection, played out on the field of human endeavor.