Description
I was planning a painting to commemorate the Boston Red Sox ‘finally’ winning the World Series. I had some old baseballs that I started with, but was told I had been sent a ball from the World Series. It arrives in a fairly good sized box, and is well protected. I’m thinking “it’s just a baseball. It’s tough”. I open it thinking it was a souvenir that had the World Series information printed on it, that any fan could buy at the game. But out comes an official ball with a scuff mark on it. I called the gallery, who was instrumental in getting me this ball to use, and ask them “what’s with this ball”?
“Be very careful with that ball” I was told.
It turns out to be the second to the last ball played in the final game of the World Series in 2004. It had been fouled off, hit something, then collected on the field and tossed up into the stands to a serious Red Sox fan. The very next ball was one hopped back to the pitcher, tossed to first base and the Red Sox became world champions for the first time since 1918.
I immediately put the ball down on my desk and just stared at it. How amazing to have such history sitting on my desk. Hence, this makes this painting so much more than just painting of a baseball, cap and a newspaper. And I knew it had to paint it. I hope you find it as intriguing as I do.
These prints were meticulously matched to the original oil painting by Steve Mills and Hunter Editions.
All limited editions come with a Certificate of Authenticity.
