I am still amazed at the great opportunities this little blog gives me sometimes. One such opportunity came across my desk. You and I have been friends for a long time, so I think it’s time you saw my beautiful face (Sarcasm) on camera. I recently sat down virtually to interview former Dodger’s general manager Ned Colletti, and renowned sports artist Dave Hobrecht. We met on the Ladodgerreport podcast/videocast to discuss their latest collaboration, a Dodger artbook called The All-Time Dodgers art book.
As I stated in the interview with Ned and Dave, the book in itself is a work of art, and a must buy for any fan of the Dodgers, or sports artwork/memorabilia. The book is a collaboration between Ned and Dave, that focuses on creating the all-time Dodger’s team. Imagine if you could take the greatest Dodgers in franchise history and build the greatest roster. That’s what Ned and Dave do, as they create the lineup, pitching staff, and reserves. They also include managers, broadcasters, and other well-known executives.
“Ned and I did one chapter at a time,” said the married father of four and part-time rendering teacher at
Laguna College of Art and Design. “Ned would send me an unedited rough draft, and I would start the
designing. Every painting needed to have a distinctive look, angle, background, and timeline from Ebbets
Field to the Coliseum and Dodger Stadium.”
Dave produced the artwork, while Ned wrote the descriptions/analysis on each player. The book is chock full of details, and the artwork from Dave is fantastic. Dave has created artwork for other sports, historical figures, and pop culture icons. But I think this is his finest work. Of course we can’t forget about Ned’s insights. You all know Ned, General Manager of the Dodgers for nine years. Former assistant general manager, general manager, sportsnetla Analyst, and baseball executive. Ned has done it all, drawing on his lifetime of working in baseball to draft the player profiles, analysis, and stories. World Champion Orel Hershiser wrote the forward. How cool is that?
Please check out the site here, and you can purchase the book at the following links. the book is available at TheAllTime.com, Amazon.com, the National Baseball Hall of Fame’s Online Store, Walmart.com, and physically at Barnes & Noble.com.
I have attached the Podcast below. I’ll have another article up with more information about the book, with videos of Dave’s process of creating his art, images, and the official press release. I am promoting this book because it is that good. It’s a must have for anyone who loves the Dodgers, and art. More to come soon.
The book looks like the product of skill and love, but it’s not my thing.
Curious, that it’s not a hard-cover coffee table format.
The ending questions were interesting, I think Colletti’s interpretation of exit velocity vs. HRs was quite revealing.
Great get Scott.
Thanks Bluto