"Ball Strike Count"
1993. Watercolor and ink on paper, measuring 7 by 6 inches. Matted and framed. This illustration appeared on page 21 of the July 19, 1993 issue of Sports Illustrated. The image served as the lead-in to the "Anniversary" section, and it depicts an obscure baseball moment from 1893, when former player-manager Harry Wright suggested that umpires keep the ball-strike count secret until the at-bat was concluded. While this would have undoubtedly added an element of mystery to the game, wiser heads prevailed, baseball continued unchanged, and Wright, whose 1869 Cincinnati Red Stockings went undefeated, was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1953. An uncommon sports-related commission by Gorey, whose pitcher almost seems en pointe in his delivery. Together with a copy of the printed magazine. Item #29877
Price: $12,500.00