On this day in 1934, Dizzy Dean won his 30th game of the season, going the distance to beat Cincinnati, 9-0, and clinching the pennant for St. Louis. Here’s my painting of the right-hander in 1932, based on the photography of Charles Conlon.

On this day in 2024, Pete Rose passed away at the age of 83. Though a lightning rod for controversy, his skill, intensity, and determination endeared him to fans across the country. Here’s my painting of him barreling safely into home plate at Wrigley Field, August 24, 1971.

On this day in 1935, Mamie “Peanut” Johnson was born in Ridgeway, SC. The first woman to pitch in the Negro Leagues, she learned her curveball from Satchel Paige. Here’s a color study of her with the Indianapolis Clowns in 1954. Man, I wish there were more images of Mamie out there.

Happy 76th birthday to Michael Jack Schmidt! A 3-time NL MVP, 1980 WS champion and WS MVP, he is the greatest Phillie in franchise history. Here’s my painting of him at bat against the Pirates at Three Rivers, April 21, 1976, based on the photography of John Iacono.

Ready for the photographers. This was a beast.

On this day in 2023, Brooks Robinson passed away at the age of 86. The winner of 16 Gold Glove Awards, he’s certainly one of (if not THE) greatest third basemen of all time. Here’s my painting of him in Miami during spring training of 1961, based on the photography of Arthur Rickerby.

On this day in 1905, Emilio “Millito” Navarro was born in Patillas, Puerto Rico. A patriarch of baseball on the island, he was often compared to Frankie Frisch. Here’s an unfinished painting of him (left) and Francisco “Pancho” Coimbre with the Leones de Ponce in the 1940s. Gotta finish it!!

On this day in 1917, Phil Rizzuto was born in Brooklyn, NY. One of the most beloved Yankees of all-time, he may be remembered even more fondly for his four-decade long broadcasting career. Here’s my painting of him as a rookie in 1941, based on the photography of Charles Conlon.

SOS! I’m having panic attacks every day. It’s been 18 months since redundancy, medical bills are piling up. I’m living week to week. Applying for jobs every day with no ego. The Australian economy is dead. Design research, CX, customer service, QA, market research. Everything helps right now.

On this day in 1974, Al Kaline became the 12th major leaguer to collect 3,000 hits. An opposite-field double off of Dave McNally, it wasn’t enough to prevent the Tigers’ 5-4 loss at Memorial Stadium. Here’s my painting of him as a youngster in June of 1954, his first full year with Detroit.

On this day in 1919, Red Sox outfielder Babe Ruth hit his 28th home run, breaking the 19th-century single season record established in 1884 by Ned Williamson of the NL’s Chicago White Stockings. Ruth would finish the year with 29. Here’s my painting of him with Boston in 1918.

On this day in 1872, Grant “Home Run” Johnson was born in Findlay, OH. He’s best known for hitting 60 home runs in 1894 with the Findlay Sluggers. As a shortstop. NBD. Here’s my painting of him with Habana in 1910, based on the photography of Ramón Carreras.

My buddy Jules could use a lift and a smile.

On this day in 1870, Michael Riley "Doc" Powers was born in Pittsfield, MA. Though best remembered for how he passed away, he was one of the better defensive catchers of his era. Here's my painting of him with Connie Mack's Athletics in 1902, based on the photography of Carl Horner.

On this day in 2015, Lawrence Peter “Yogi” Berra passed away at the age of 90. Best remembered for his famous maxims, he should also be remembered as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. Here’s my painting of him at spring training in Florida, March of 1961.

More ‘27 Yankees. A finished Herb Pennock and a freshly touched-up Eddie Bennett. These guys are so much fun.

On this day in 1943, Joe Morgan was born in Bonham, TX. Though a smaller player, he was one of the greatest second basemen in the history of baseball, winning two NL MVPs during his career, Here’s my painting of him with the Big Red Machine, the night they won the 1976 World Series.

On this day in 1910, Sam Bankhead was born in Sulligent, AL. This 7-time all-star was a left-handed slugger with a cannon for an arm, and he had the ability to play every position on the field. Here’s a color study of him with the Leopardos de Santa Clara during the 37-38 Cuban Winger League season.

On this day in 1959, Ryne Sandberg was born in Spokane, WA. One of the best second basemen of all-time, he also went on to become one of Chicago’s most beloved athletes. Here’s an in-progress painting of him that I need to get back to. And I *hate* talking about him in the past-tense.

On this day in 1900, Sam Streeter was born in New Market, AL. A terrific left-hander, he was a major linchpin in two dynasties, the Homestead Grays of the mid-1920s and the Pittsburgh Crawfords of the mid-1930s. Here’s a color study of him with the latter in 1933.

“Sometimes when I walk down the street I bet people will say there goes Roy Hobbs, the best there ever was in the game.” - Bernard Malamud RIP, Robert.

On this day in 1896, Pat Collins was born in Sweet Springs, MO. Part of the deep bench of catchers with the legendary late-‘20s Yankees clubs, he helped the team win three pennants and two World Series. Here’s my painting of him in 1926, based on the photography of Charles Conlon.

On this day in 1966, 19-year-old Nolan Ryan made his big league debut, pitching two innings in relief at Shea Stadium. Braves pitcher Pat Jarvis was the first batter he faced, as well as his first strikeout victim. Here’s my painting of him with the Mets in 1970.

On this day in 1934, Roger Maris was born in Hibbing, MN. A great player and an essential part of the early-'60s Yankee dynasty, he's best remembered for breaking a record that haunted him for the rest of his life. Here’s my painting of him with Yogi and Mickey in late July of 1961.

Here’s my painting of Earle Combs lacing a bloop single into LF at Yankee Stadium against Philadelphia, September 9, 1928. And absolute b!tch this was. At this point, I’m just hoping it’s good.

On this day in 1889, Elwood “Bingo” DeMoss was born in Topeka, KS. Considered one of the best second basemen of his era, he was a part of some great ABCs teams, and captained the ‘26 Chicago American Giants to both a World Series and NNL title. Here’s a color study of him in 1920.

Happy 89th birthday to Pirates great Bill Mazeroski! Here’s my painting of him breaking my father’s 15-year-old heart to end the 1960 World Series, based on the stellar camerawork of Marvin E. Newman (in my mind, one of the best baseball photographs ever taken).

On this day in 1874, Napoleon Lajoie was born in Woonsocket, RI. Despite his incredible numbers, I still feel he’s one of the more under-appreciated players of his era. Here’s my painting of the man with the Cleveland Bronchos in 1902, based on the studio photography of Carl Horner.

On this day in 1996, Ellsworth “Babe” Dahlgren passed away at the age of 84. A defensive standout, he was a crucial roleplayer in Yankees’ 1939 season. Here’s my painting of him with the club that June. Wanna know more? See Matt Dahlgren’s great book: www.rumorintown.com

On this day in 1986, Hank Greenberg passed away at the age of 75. Without a doubt, one of the greatest sluggers of all-time, as well as one of the most beloved. Here’s my painting of him as a young man with the Tigers during spring training in 1930.

Here’s my painting of Babe Ruth peering out of the dugout at Yankee Stadium, 1929. That year he batted .345, hit a league-leading 46 HR, and batted-in 154 runs. Based on the photography of Charles Conlon, collectors may recognize the image from his famous 1933 Goudey #181 card.

On this day in 1953, Jean Faut threw a perfect game against the Kalamazoo Lassies. The 4-0 victory cemented her claim as the only ballplayer (male or female) to have thrown two during a professional career (her first coming in ‘51). Here’s my painting of her with the Blue Sox in 1949.

On this day in 1950, Gil Hodges became the fourth major leaguer in the century to hit four home runs in a single game. His 17 total bases helped Brooklyn clobber the Braves at Ebbets Field, 19-3, in front of 14,226 fans. Here’s my painting of the beloved Dodger in 1952.

On this day in 1913, Ray Dandridge was born in Richmond, VA. Considered one of the top third basemen in Negro Leagues (and probably baseball) history. “Hooks” was an elite fielder and high level contact hitter. Here’s my in-progress painting of him with Diablos Rojos del México in 1945.

My sincerest gratitude to ALL of the photographers of this great game (known and unknown), for without their work, none of my paintings would be possible. Especially this Conlon fella.

On this day in 1952, Joseph “Arky” Vaughan passed away at the age of 40. Along with Joe Cronin, he was THE shortstop of his era and one of the best all-time at the plate. Here’s my painting of him with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1935, based on the photography of Charles Conlon.

On this day in 1918, Ted Williams was born in San Diego, CA. One of the all-time greatest hitters in history, for sure. Here’s my painting of him as a 20-year-old about to make his big league debut at Yankee Stadium on April 20, 1939, based on the photography of Charles Conlon.

On this day in 1965, Paul Waner passed away at the age of 62. Probably the greatest Pirate outfielder until Clemente came along, he was also deadly at the plate. Here’s my painting of him towards the end of his career with Boston in 1942. Once again, based on the work of Charles Conlon.

Loved being on Dodgers Territory with Alanna and Clint today!! Tune in at 15:30 for my ugly mug. www.youtube.com/live/Z0zrpKt...

On this day in 1906, Luis E. Tiant Bravo was born in Habana, Cuba. Though his son is more widely known today, his father is considered one of the finest pitchers in the history of the island. Here’s a color study of him with Cienfuegos during the 1945-46 Cuban Winter League season.

Here’s my painting of “Billy” Williams with the Chaska White Diamonds in 1907. One of the best ballplayers in MN, he was courted by both Ned Hanlon and John McGraw, claiming he could pass as American Indian. He declined both, stating, “I am a Negro. I am proud of my race.”

Happy 65th birthday to Cal Ripken Jr.! A 19-time All-Star and two-time AL MVP, Ripken redefined the SS position—an offensive threat in addition to stellar defensive play. Here’s my painting of him with the Rochester Red Wings in 1981, based on the photography of Brook Treakle.

On this day in 1989, Nolan Ryan struck out Oakland’s Rickey Henderson on a 96mph fastball, notching his 5,000th career K. Though he fanned another 12, the Rangers lost, 2-0. Here’s my painting of him winding up during that year’s All-Star Game, based on the photography of David Madison.

Happy 86th birthday to the great Carl Yastrzemski. Without a doubt, after all these years, he’s still one of the greatest and most beloved players to ever don a Red Sox uniform. Here’s an in-progress painting of him from late in the 1967 season.

On this day in 1881, "Big Bill" Gatewood was born in San Antonio, TX. A master of both the spitball and the emery ball, he was considered one of the premier pitchers of the pre-Negro Leagues era of black baseball. Here's a color study of the man with the St. Louis Giants in 1916.

On this day in 1947, Dobie Moore passed away at the age of 51. A Hall of Fame finalist in ‘06, he was a tremendous hitter and became an amazing fielder at SS. Here’s my painting of him (front, middle) with the 1923-24 Leopardos de Santa Clara, the best team in the history of Cuban baseball.

Starting to feel that southern California sun. A 19-year-old Mick at Bovard Field after a MAMMOTH home run in late March of ‘51.

A very happy 81st birthday to my namesake, Mr. Graig Nettles. One of my earliest drawings of him, it was a pretty special day when I received his autograph in the mail when I was 8 or 9.

The Zulu Cannibal Giants toured the US in the ‘30s and ‘40s as a popular novelty act, playing in war paint, grass skirts, and their bare feet. Despite how jarring this image looks to us in 2025, it’s a reality of baseball’s pre-integration era. Here’s my painting of “Kankol”.

Getting close here!! Oiled out, worked into, scrubbed in some glazes, worked into again. Once that surface gets unified…