This card from the Helmar “Polar Night” series depicts Jim Buckley of Indianapolis standing
confidently with bat in hand as the light fades behind him. The serene sunset sky and rich
tones of blue and gold create a mood of quiet reflection, while the subtle stippling of texture
across his uniform and the landscape lend a tactile sense of presence. The portrait conveys
both strength and modesty, the grounded poise of a 19th-century ballplayer ready for the game.

Jim Buckley played during baseball’s early professional era, representing a generation of
athletes who balanced grit with grace as the sport evolved into national prominence. His
image here captures that spirit perfectly—rooted in discipline, tempered by humility, and
set against the soft beauty of the day’s end.

Artwork by Valiukevich-Mandel.