“Three Strikes” – Original Artwork by Brian David 21. M ixed-media illustration combines watercolor, pastel and ink to illustrate an odd scene whereby a pitcher delivers a brushback pitch while a would-be attacker races at him, raised baseball bat in hand. The scene unfolds in front of a crowded grandstand, the 26” x 23” piece produced directly onto an illustration board, and framed by a cardboard matte. Underneath the matte, written in red ink, is “For Men Only – July – Pages 38-39 – Three Strikes.” For Men Only was a pulp magazine that began its run in 1954. Initially a digest-sized publication, it was published by the New York company Magazine Management, which was known for its men’s adventure magazines, many of which were risqué. Eventually, Magazine Management began adding comic books to the mix, founding the company Atlas Comics, which eventually became Marvel Comics. For Men Only , in its early incarnations, employed young, New York-based writers, so eventually many of its writers became Hank O’Day (HOF) Original Painting by Dick Perez 22. F ew artists are better-known in the baseball hobby than Dick Perez. Born in 1940, he is likely best known for his annual set of “Diamond Kings” cards painted for Donruss beginning in 1982. Since 1982, Perez has been the official artist for the Philadelphia Phillies, and was the official artist for the Baseball Hall of Fame for 25 years. He currently paints for Topps baseball cards, his art featured on the Topps “Turkey Red” series of cards. Many of his paintings have circulated throughout the hobby at auction, always the subject of spirited bidding. The name Dick Perez is, unquestionably, synonymous with baseball. Presented here is a colorful painting of Hall of Famer Hank O’Day. O’Day is the only man to play, umpire and manage in the National League was an umpire in the first World Series in 1903, along with nine more Series in his 35-year career. It was O’Day who made what is probably still the most famous “out” call in history – the one where Hall of Famer Johnny Evers produced the baseball and stepped on second base, forcing out Fred Merkle in that infamous 1908 game. A serviceable pitcher, O’Day pitched for the 1889 World Champion New York Giants. well-known later in life. Donald Bain, Bruce Jay Friedman, Martin Cruz Smith, and Mario Puzo, at one time or another, wrote for the publication. By the 1970s, For Men Only because a full-color, full-sized magazine, eschewing much of the pulp stories of the 1950s and becoming a pornographic magazine, a reason many of its writers used pseudonyms. We are unable to find definitive information about the artist, suggesting Brian David may, too, be a pseudonym. The publication’s run ended in 1977. We traced this illustration to the July, 1974 issue, likely accompanied by the story “Three Strikes – And You’re Dead!” billed as the “Incredible true story of an assassin and a baseball star.” As a family auction, we’ll spare you the cover (it’s available elsewhere online), and chose not to do further research into the content of the story, though in this case we would’ve been being honest in saying “we just bought it for the article.” MINIMUM BID: $200
The handsome watercolor is framed to a finished size of 14” x 21”, picturing a suited O’Day in a straw hat, a familiar image derived from a 1914 Bain News Service photo, when he was manager of the Chicago Cubs. In outstanding condition, the colorful painting contrasts well against the black matte and frame. A wonderful example of Perez’ legendary work. MINIMUM BID: $250
FALL 2024 PREMIER AUCTION − CLOSES NOVEMBER 30, 2024 27
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