In fact, I am going to start this post by featuring a one-of-a-kind drawing from Curt Flood of Tommy Lasorda. As some of you know, Flood is an accomplished artist. He initially started painting for other ballplayers, but soon became well known outside that community. A look through this catalog online or in book form will give you a nice peek at some of his work. Check out this incredible painting of Bob Gibson.
Another very popular Baseball artist is George Sosnak.
Self-taught as an artist, Sosnak (1924-1992) had devoted his life to the game as a fan, player and minor league umpire, even when that meant holding a day job as well. His best-known works are actual manufactured baseballs intricately decorated for a special occasion with India ink and then hand colored.He painted about 800 baseballs. Below is something a little different from him. It is a 5x8 envelope that has been converted into a canvas and then subsequently mailed in 1988 to a relative. It is a great painting featuring Kirk Gibson's game winning home run blast against Dennis Eckersley during the 1988 series.
The final two items are just incredible. Being made available for the first time are a pair of game-used vintage jerseys from the 1948 Brooklyn Dodger season that were worn by Pee Wee Reese and Jackie Robinson. They came directly from a former coach of one of the Dodger farm teams. Apparently, at the end of each season the big club would hand down old jerseys, pants and caps. Then, they would have the minor league coaches wear them when meeting new incoming players. Afterwards, everything was either sold or just given away.
Below is Pee Wee Reese's jersey. Click on the photo to see a larger view.
Here is Jackie Robinson's jersey. Click on the photo to see a larger view.
(Auction Link: Robinson Jersey)