Dizzy Dean Baseball Glove Artwork Enters Hall of Fame's Permanent Collection

Fine Art Baseball Mitt by Artist Sean Kane Makes the Team at Cooperstown Museum

Dizzy to Cooperstown

My artwork featuring Hall of Fame pitcher "Dizzy" Dean on a hand-painted, vintage baseball glove is now part of the collection at The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.

The painting was voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame collection by their Acquisitions Committee in early 2019. It was presented to Hall of Fame president Jeff Idelson in March.

Sean Kane and Hall of Fame president, Jeff Idelson, with Dizzy Dean painted glove artwork.

Glove as Canvas

The artwork is a painted 1930's era Spalding baseball glove highlighting the eccentric, colorful Hall of Fame pitcher and ace of the St. Louis Cardinals staff from 1930-37. The "Gashouse Gang" won the 1934 World Series during Dizzy's MVP year.

Previous blog post about the Dizzy Dean painting >>

Hall of Fame Art Collection

The Dean painted glove joins approximately 1700 works of art in The Hall of Fame's collection, which began when the museum was founded in 1936 and includes works by Norman Rockwell and Andy Warhol.

The Hall of Fame acquires "works of art that contribute to the Museum’s mission of preserving history, honoring excellence, and connecting generations."

The painting will be part of the revolving of works on view in the “Art of Baseball” gallery or it will become part of the Dizzy Dean artifacts display, according to the Hall of Fame.

According to the Hall of Fame’s collections director, they have never seen or had another painted glove in the collection.

Dizzy at the Hall

References to Dizzy aren’t hard to find at Cooperstown. Besides the artifact display containing his Cardinals jersey, a photo pin and items from his teammates, even his cowboy hat from his broadcasting days is in the broadcast wing of the Museum.

A Home Run

I'm incredibly honored to have my art, my interest in the game and its history recognized by the Hall.

If the painting sparks interest in Dizzy, the era he played in or prompts conversations between generations of visitors to the Hall, then that's as good as a home run to me!

Many thanks to the folks at the Hall of Fame, to those who have encouraged and supported me, and those who enjoy the art I make!

Dizzy was painted in 2016 and has previously been a part of a group exhibit in North Carolina.

About the Artist

Sean Kane has been a professional artist for 25 years and began painting baseball-themed works in 2001.

His baseball art has been commissioned by organizations including the Philadelphia Phillies, Milwaukee Brewers Fantasy Camp and the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation.

Sean’s work is in the private collection of several Hall of Fame players, collectors across the U.S. and has been exhibited at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, Kansas City, and the Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art, Tulsa.

Raised in the Chicago-area, his studio is now a long fly ball from Toronto.

Interested in a custom baseball glove painting?  Just Let Me Know.

WVU Exhibit on Negro Leagues Baseball and Latin Culture Opens

The 'Negro Leagues Beisbol Exhibit' arrived at West Virginia University and I had the great honor of having my Minnie Minoso baseball glove artwork included and being there for the Opening Day festivities.

The exhibit depicts the lives of athletes of color during racial segregation in the United States, focusing on African American Baseball and Hispanic Culture 1860-1960. It began a two month-long stay at the WVU Erickson Alumni Center on Sunday, Sept. 18.

The Opening Day event was highlighted by the keynote presentation from Pedro Sierra, a former pitcher in the Negro Baseball Leagues and friend of his fellow Cuban countryman, Minnie Minoso.

Pedro Sierra took a few minutes to tell me stories about his coach with the Washington Senators, Ted Williams.

Minnie Minoso is the featured player in the exhibit, which highlights Spanish-speaking players in the Negro Leagues.

Glove art near exhibit entrance

Minnie Minoso corner

With Dr. Robert Waterson, Director of WVU CDCE

Dr. Robert A. Waterson, Director of the West Virginia University Center for Democracy and Citizenship Education within the College of Education and Human Services, brought the exhibit to Morgantown.

A mission of the exhibit is to make available to teachers and their students across West Virginia teaching materials, videos and visits to the exhibit with an aim to keep alive these aspects of history that are challenging and not always convenient to discuss, but necessary for growth and improvement as a society.

Awarding art prize to WV 6th Grader.

As part of the educational component of the exhibition, a state-wide art and essay contest was held for elementary school students to express their thoughts about baseball and civil rights.

I was asked to take part in awarding the winners, including this talented 6th grader, who created a wonderful drawing of Jackie Robinson. I only wish I had a photo of it.

With John Wakelin, friend and contributor to the exhibition

Along with my Minnie Minoso baseball glove art, the exhibit includes important artifacts from my friend and Negro Leagues collector, John Wakelin.

These items include players’ personal letters and photos, memorabilia from Latin American teams, rare cards and game programs which add an important human touch to the exhibit.

Note my friend John's shirt, complete with Negro Leagues team logos!

Players from WVU's Mountaineers baseball team joined in the festivities and were great fun to talk with and were curious about the artifacts.

And a baseball art road trip wouldn't be complete without seeing some baseball, here provided by the Mountaineers at their scenic stadium. The ballpark is also home to the West Virginia Black Bears, in the Pirates' minor league system.

The weekend was full of opportunities to meet friendly WVU students, staff and administrators and fellow baseball fans.

Big thanks to WVU's CDCE and Dr. Waterson for hosting my visit.

Minnie Minoso Baseball Glove Art in WVU Exhibit

Painted Glove artwork featuring Minnie Minoso is part of the “Negro Leagues Beisbol” exhibit at The WVU Center for Democracy and Citizenship Education.

The exhibit focuses on African American Baseball and Hispanic Culture from 1860-1960. The history of Negro League Baseball during this period includes links to Latin baseball leagues and players moving between them.

Minnie Minoso was one such player, playing in his native Cuba and for the New York Cubans Negro Leagues team.

Minoso then went on to play for the Cleveland Indians and star for the Chicago White Sox, where he was their first African American player.

This Minoso baseball glove art, on a vintage glove from his playing era, depicts Minnie as a New York Cuban, refers to his "Cuban Comet" nickname, and draws attention to a few of his baseball career milestones in Cuba, Negro Leagues and in Major League Baseball.

The West Virginia University exhibit will be the third such public showcase for the Minoso glove art since 2014, continuing its’ journey around the country helping to spark memories and curiosity about the Negro Leagues era and this special player.

I encourage you to attend the exhibition, September 18 - October 28, 2016, at the WVU Alumni Center in Morgantown, WV, which will also include items from the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and private collections.

There are many educational opportunities available for students and teachers as part of this exhibition. It's a unique lens through which to learn more about the challenges of past generations and relate it to today's world. More info here.

Thanks to Dr. Robert Waterson and the WVU Center for Democracy and Citizenship Education for inviting me to participate in this event with this work.

Glove Paintings in North Carolina Art Exhibition

"Baseball as Art" exhibit showcases five Baseball Glove Artworks.

The Cleveland County Arts Council in Shelby, NC celebrates baseball-inspired art in the annual "Baseball as Art" exhibition, opening August 6th.

My Ted Williams, Hank Greenberg, Minnie Minoso, Tom Seaver and Roberto Clemente baseball glove paintings are on display in this group show.

The exhibit runs through September 12th in the beautiful former post office space and includes a number of baseball-themed images by several artists.

The exhibit opens in conjunction with the American Legion Baseball World Series, which brings baseball fans and families from around the countey to the Shelby-area during the tournament.

A big THANKS to the Cleveland County Arts Council for the invitation to have a role in the show! Their enthusiasm for the arts and special programming is impressive and it's an honor to be associated with this special event.

Photos courtesy of Jason Dahlheimer and Cleveland County Arts Council.

Brewers Fantasy Camp and SABR: Baseball Fun in Phoenix

A Winter Trip to the Sun with Painted Gloves

The Milwaukee Brewers Fantasy Camp hosted me at their annual event this year and I brought along a couple of gloves especially for the occasion.

First off was a baseball glove painting featuring Brewers (and Red Sox) great, Cecil Cooper. I incorporated two portraits, including one of him batting, onto the vintage Rawlings pro model first base mitt. The painting process can be seen here.

Cecil had high praise for my work, mentioning this is just like a glove he used during his playing days. He shared some personal thoughts, which were quite touching.

The glove was won in a raffle by a happy Fantasy Camper, for whom Coop signed the glove -- right where I thought an autograph would look best. Now that's a keepsake!

Raffle proceeds went toward the Camp's charity this year, the ALS Association.

I also painted a leather mini-glove, only about 6-inches tall, with the Brewers Fantasy Camp logo. Mini-glove details here.

This glove artwork was for Fantasy Camp director, current Brewers TV broadcaster and former catcher, Bill Schroeder, pictured below.  Bill has a keen interest in the history of the game and it was a treat to get to meet and talk with him.

My other generous host was photographer and Camp newsletter editor, Rick Ramirez, who expertly snapped great action shots even while talking with me in foul territory!

It also happened to be SABR Day while I was in Phoenix, the nationwide annual celebration of all things baseball by the Society of American Baseball Research.

I was invited to present my work at the Phoenix chapter event, held in the press box at Tempe Diablo Stadium, Spring home of the LA Angels.  I received a very warm reception to my work plus some interesting questions from the group and got to meet some passionate fans -- my favorite.

SABR Executive Director, Marc Appleman and Rodney Johnson, Flame Delhi chapter president.

The SABR Day event also featured a wide-ranging debate between baseball writers and Hall of Fame voters Barry Bloom and Tony DeMarco regarding Hall of Fame voting.

A new series of handsome panels at Diablo Stadium depicting and recalling the history of the Cactus League was on display (opens in Facebook).  And I received some promising insights from Shoeless Joe Jackson researcher, Jacob Pomrenke, about a 100 year old glove I'll be using for an upcoming project, too.

Being in Phoenix provided a chance to reconnect with a friend, John, who researches Negro Leagues baseball history. His current projects include compiling a collection of baseball cards of Negro Leagues players.

The Bowman 1952 cards are so nice, with crisp, illustrated player portraits. An amazing collection like this deserves a much better photo. They were beautiful and the stories behind each would fill many more hours.

A few days spent with Fantasy Campers, seeing them play ball, visiting with many major leaguers and team personnel, sharing my work with so many baseball people and hearing such kind words about what I'm doing -- all under clear skies and 80 degree temps-- It was a baseball experience that'll be tough to beat.

The biggest of thanks to the Milwaukee Brewers Fantasy Camp.

Negro Leagues Baseball Museum Exhibit: Latin Beisbol Art

The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City opened their "Negro Leagues Beisbol" exhibit last week (May 16, 2014).

The exhibit includes a collection of five glove paintings featuring players who exemplified the relationship between the Negro Leagues and Latin baseball.

A glove painting I created highlighting the career of Cuban great Martin Dihigo made its public debut at the VIP Sponsors Opening Night Celebration held at the museum. 

The artwork on a vintage 1940s glove is now part of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum's permanent collection.

The new exhibit explores the rich cultural and historical connection between American-born Negro Leaguers and players of Hispanic descent, who often played in each other's leagues. 

Five Painted Gloves on display at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, Kansas City.

Other art in the exhibit includes Willie Mays and Hank Aaron glove paintings, both of whom played in the Negro Leagues and in Latin American.

The great Puerto Rican Roberto Clemente is also represented on a painted glove in the exhibit.

Another Cuban great, Minnie Minoso, is represented on a glove painting in the exhibit. While maybe best known as a Chicago White Sox player, Minoso was active in the Negro Leagues and the Cuban League, where he won Rookie of the Year in 1945-46.

The opening celebration included many former Negro League players, including Enrique Maroto, Pedro Sierra, George Altman and others.

With museum president Bob Kendrick.

What great stories I got to hear, including what it was like to be starting pitcher in the East-West Negro Leagues All-Star game in front of 50,000 at old Comiskey Park. Priceless.

I also had the pleasure of visiting with museum supporters, former major leaguers Willie Wilson and Bobby Dernier, and the hard working team at the NLBM, including museum president Bob Kendrick and curator Dr. Ray Doswell.

And, all of this is taking place in Kansas City, where in 1920, Rube Foster lead the forming of the Negro National League.

The "Negro Leagues Beisbol" exhibit continues until September 30, 2014. The exhibit is presented by Sprint and the Kauffman Foundation and admission is free to the public.

Definitely plan to stop by 18th & Vine for an enriching experience and to learn about baseball's international heritage!

Minnie Minoso Baseball Glove Painting

The “Cuban Comet” featured on one-of-a-kind Baseball Art

One-of-a-kind artwork by Sean Kane

$3250

Shipping included. No sales tax for deliveries to the U.S.

Secure credit card payment via PayPal.

Delivery, Payment, Gifting info & more below.

Like to know more? Contact Me.

Minnie Miñoso Depicted on a Vintage Glove

Baseball Minnie Minoso is portrayed as a member of the Chicago White Sox on this vintage baseball glove painting by artist Sean Kane.

This painting was exhibited at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City.

Known for his long career with the Chicago White Sox, Minoso also starred in the Cuban League and Negro Leagues before becoming a member of the Cleveland Indians in 1949.

This art was featured in the exhibit 'Beisbol' at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City, in Summer 2014. Details

Artwork Details

Stay connected with your baseball memories and show your admiration for one of the game's greats.

• Approximately 11" x 10" (25cm x 23cm)

• Original acrylic painting on classic leather 3-finger Spalding baseball glove from Minoso's era/1940s

• Hand-painted portrait and lettering highlights Minoso's awards and career milestones

• Handsomely packaged in an archival, gift-ready box with a black display easel

• For gifts, a card with your personalized message can be included

• Created with top quality materials to protect its longevity and lifetime of enjoyment

  

  This baseball keepsake is sure to be a conversation-starter!

Hall of Fame speedster Minnie Minoso painted glove artwork.

Artist Sean Kane

Sean Kane's painted baseball glove art is on exhibit at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City, has been the subject of a solo gallery show in New York City, and is in private collections across the U.S.

His glove paintings have been featured on ESPN.com, NBC Sports.com, and MLB Network Radio.

Sean has been a professional artist for 20 years and a baseball fan since he was old enough to wear his dad's old glove.  More info >

Delivery

• Standard Delivery is included and NO sales tax for U.S. deliveries (Canadian deliveries require collection of GST/HST which is included in the price.)

• Complimentary ground shipping within 1 to 7 business days via UPS.

• Express delivery options also available; Please Contact

• Unframed artwork delivered in an archival museum box inside a standard shipping box

• Framing is an additional option upon request (Contact). Shipping and framing fees will apply.

Payment

• By credit card processed by PayPal or via PayPal balance

• All prices on this site are quoted in USD and your credit card company may charge a conversion fee if you are not paying in USD funds.

Materials

• Highest grade professional artist quality acrylic paints selected for their compatibility with painting on leather and long-lasting quality.

• Polymer Matte Varnish protects the artwork and helps shield it from UV damage.

• Leather baseball gloves and mitts vary in age and condition, as seen in product photos.

Gifting

Painted glove arrives:

• In a cotton drawstring bag with Sean Kane Baseball Art logo label

• Inside a Museum-style Archival Gift Box

• With a black wooden easel display stand

• Handsome personalized message and detailed art label

Not quite sure what to expect? See video of Painted Glove being unpacked.

Care

• Dust with soft, dry, lint-free cloth or feather duster.

• Display out of direct sun.

• Don't apply glove treatment or oil.

• Keep tape and other adhesives away from surface.

• And, of course, Don't play catch with it!

Commitment

• I am committed to delivering quality, one-of-a-kind art with satisfaction 100% guaranteed. Details at FAQs.

Questions and inquiries: Contact via Email or phone at 519-836-5647.

Perfect Teammates

I'm goin' to Kansas City, Kansas City here I come

Just seven weeks until my baseball glove artwork makes its museum debut.

I’ve got some butterflies. A big to-do list. And a smile from ear to ear.

The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City is presenting my baseball glove art as part of a new exhibit opening in May.

“Beisbol” will focus on Latin American baseball and its influence on the game in the U.S., including the Negro Leagues. It's a big story that I'm thrilled to have a role in helping to tell. After its KC debut the exhibit will travel the country for five years.

But I can’t pull back the curtain on the art just yet -- it will be unveiled at the special Opening Night reception at the Museum on May 15. (Hint: Become a Museum member to get an invite!)

The player I focused on was a Cuban star who also played in the Negro Leagues.

His is an amazing story that many fans may not be familiar with, which is why I wanted to create this work -- on a glove from his playing era, it includes a portrait and career highlights plus some flair to hint at the lively Latin approach to the game.

Ideally the glove painting will invite curiosity about this player and give a glimpse of his impact on the game.

Additionally, plans are being made to present other baseball glove paintings of mine in the ‘Beisbol’ exhibit -- a “mini-show” within the exhibit featuring paintings of a few players touched by the Latin leagues experience.

This is where some of the butterflies and big to-do list come in.

And the smile from ear to ear -- that comes from this opportunity the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum has presented, fulfilling a number of goals for this path I’m on.

As I make my way towards that plane trip in a month and a half, I’ll be sharing some of the process and progress along the way. Should be quite a ride.

Kansas City, Kansas City here I come...

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photo by ImaginaryGirl