Bill Kuehne, 3rd Base, Pittsburgh, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1888

This baseball card of Bill Kuehne, a third baseman for Pittsburgh, was produced by Goodwin & Company around 1888 as part of a series for Old Judge Cigarettes. Kuehne is captured mid-motion, the action of throwing a ball. This motif, rooted in the act of release, mirrors the ancient gesture of scattering seeds or offering libations to the gods. Consider the Winged Victory of Samothrace, also in motion. The gesture transcends mere athleticism. Think of the psychological weight of the act, the release of tension, the casting away of burdens, and the hope for a desired outcome. This simple baseball card becomes an echo of humanity's timeless aspirations and fears. These gestures, imprinted in our collective memory, continue to resonate, drawing us into an understanding that lies far beneath the surface. It's a testament to the enduring power of images and actions across time.