Thoughts Turn to Baseball

I recently did a plum illustration assignment for Becki Hartke at The National Pastime Museum that seemed to coincide with the advent of warmer weather, when thoughts in this neck of the woods turn toward baseball. Becki hired a number artists to do their take on the famous Casey at Bat poem as well as a number of portraits of early baseball greats. I'd like to thank Becki for giving me for the great assignment and specifically, the opportunity to do the portraits. They are in a style that is somewhat new to me. I had a blast doing them.

It later occurred to me that I had left out Casey's publicist.

William Hulbert  (1832-1882)

One of the founders of the National League, recognized as baseball’s first major league and was also the president of the Chicago White Stockings. He brought a vision to the new league founded on the principles of square dealings, recognition of contracts and business integrity, along with a more orderly game on the field through prohibitions on drinking and gambling.

Albert Goodwill Spalding (1849-1915)

Pitcher, manager and co-founder of the A.G. Spalding sporting goods company. He played major league baseball between 1971 and 1878. Myth has it that he was the first well known player to use a fielding glove in 1877 because his sporting goods store sold them. In reality, field gloves were regularly used in the mid 1870’s. Spalding was president an part-owner of the Chicago White Stocking after his retirement from playing. Also wrote the first set of official baseball rules

Cap Anson (1852-1922)

First Baseman – Played a record 27 seasons for the most part with the Chicago Cubs. Considered one of the greatest players of his era and one of the superstars of the game. He was the first to tally over 3000 career hits. On the subject of race, he was not such a superstar. Anson was regarded as playing a major roll in the establishment of racial segregation in professional baseball. On several occasions he refused to take the field when the opposing roster included black players.

Rube Foster (1879-1930)

Pitcher – Player, manager and pioneer executive in the Negro Leagues. Considered to have been the finest African-American pitcher in the first decade of the 1900’s. Also founded and managed the Chicago American Giants, one of the most successful black baseball teams of the pre-integration era. He is known as the “father of Black Baseball.”  

King Kelly (1857 -1894)

Right Fielder, Catcher and Manager – He spent the majority of his 16 year career with the Chicago White Stockings and the Boston Beaneaters. He was a player – manager three times in his career. Kelly was an innovative baserunner. His is thought to invent the hook slide. He was also considered the first player to steal a base. Usually when the lone umpire wasn’t looking.

For my final portrait, Becki asked me to envision what the famous Casey might have looked like. I poured over baseball history books, particularly the teams shots and loosely based this Casey on a long forgotten player. Gotta get me one of those Mudville hats.