Toole, Pitcher, Brooklyn, from the Old Judge series (N172) for Old Judge Cigarettes 1887 - 1890

This late 19th-century card, created by Goodwin & Company for Old Judge Cigarettes, features Toole, a pitcher from Brooklyn, in his baseball attire. What strikes me is his pose: arms crossed, holding a baseball bat, almost like a staff or scepter, a symbol of authority and perhaps the power that resides in the masterful control of the game. This pose is not entirely new; consider the ancient depictions of rulers holding staffs, signaling command. Even the gesture of crossed arms carries echoes of authority. Think of Egyptian pharaohs with their arms crossed over their chests, a posture imbued with regal power and divine status. Over time, such gestures have been secularized, yet their inherent suggestion of control remains. Here, Toole's pose is not accidental; it’s a carefully constructed image meant to convey competence, confidence, and perhaps even dominance. It is a fascinating instance of how historical motifs can infiltrate popular culture, engaging viewers on a subconscious level. Symbols never truly die. They resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings in different historical contexts.