One of the largest baseball artworks we've seen let alone handled, this monumental masterpiece is first and foremost a stirring tribute to Philadelphia's Shibe Park/Connie Mack Stadium—the much-beloved home of both the A's (1909-1954) and Phillies (1938-1970). Among its myriad highlights from all those years are eight World Series, two All-Star Games, the "100,000 Infield," the "Whiz Kids," Ruth's 500-foot HRs, Gehrig's 4-HR game, Ted Williams' .406 finale, Koufax's third no-hitter and—the specific feat beautifully commemorated here—Phils pitcher Art Mahaffey's team record 17 whiffs against the Cubs on April 23, 1961. Indeed, artist Mike Kuyper (whose previous dazzling scenes of Yankee Stadium and Ebbets Field sold in our May auction), has captured the exact moment of Mahaffey delivering the 9th-inning 1-2 pitch to Don Zimmer for his 17th K. (Zimmer was one of four "triple" victims in the game—along with Banks and Santo!) Inset images at our website description show the extraordinary level of detail across every inch of this canvas, perhaps typified above all by the iconic Ballantine scoreboard. It is also noteworthy to mention that Kuyper remains in touch with the 77-year-old Art Mahaffey, who has expressed his willingness to autograph this painting if the winning bidder so chooses.

Bio: Best known for his “Phinally!” litho of the Phillies’ 2008 championship celebration (available on MLB’s website), Mike Kuyper specializes in sweeping stadium scenes. He takes great pride in meticulously depicting every minute detail of architecture, signage, cityscapes and game action. Kuyper received his formal training in Fine Art and Illustration from Philadelphia’s Hussian School of Art.

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