Few 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.

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.