Imagine a book that combines the artistry of a master painter with the insights of a baseball legend. The All-Time Dodgers Art Book is more than just a collection of images and captions – it’s a journey through the history of one of baseball’s most iconic franchises, brought to life through stunning illustrations and insightful commentary.
Featuring content from every phase of franchise history – from the Brooklyn days at Ebbets Field to the modern era at Chavez Ravine – this book offers a comprehensive look at the team’s greatest moments and players. It also features an inspirational striker’s note from Dodger legend Orel Hershiser, which sets the stage for the accompanying images and text.
Selection of the most legendary players and moments in team history
Ned Colletti and Dave Hobrecht spent part of their Friday morning working on the creation of The All-Time Dodgers Art Book and shared their fondest memories of the development. Their insights and personal stories made me appreciate this extraordinary tribute to Dodgers history even more. Chatting with Colletti in real time and hearing some of his anecdotes was one of my fondest moments as a baseball fan.
Colletti’s perspective as the team’s general manager from 2006 to 2014 was instrumental in selecting the players featured in the book. His extensive experience with the team provided invaluable insight into the traits that define the Dodgers’ greatness.
Colletti’s selection reflects his deep understanding of what makes a player a true icon in club life. His selection included criteria such as career length, overall performance, postseason success and community service.
Hobrecht recalled that his original idea was to select the nine best players in team history – one at each position – and create a work of art depicting their character and personality. However, he clarified the thought processes between himself and Colletti that helped transform this book into an instant masterpiece.
“Basically, I just wanted Ned to pick a team from one to nine,” Hobrecht said. “But the book evolved over the years we worked on it. Ned told me there couldn’t be a book about the Dodgers without Tommy (Lasorda), Vin (Scully) and Walter Alston in it. And there couldn’t be a book without Gibby (Kirk Gibson) hitting a home run. Even though the goal was to finish the book quickly, we kept coming up with better ideas.”
Artistic highlights
Hobrecht’s work is both realistic and stylized, capturing the essence of each player and adding a touch of uniqueness through monochrome tones. The use of strong contrasts and textures creates a sense of energy and excitement, reflecting the passion and intensity of the game. Hobrecht’s ability to convey each player’s unique personality through old-fashioned charcoal and pastel drawings is particularly impressive.
One of the most striking examples of Hobrecht’s work is his piece entitled “Grace,” which depicts Dodger greats Jackie Robinson, Don Newcombe, and Roy Campanella sitting at a table with Martin Luther King Jr. and saying grace before sharing a meal.
“Newcombe told Ned how they broke bread together and discussed social issues, segregation and racism,” Hobrecht said. “It’s special to me because the piece eventually became part of the permanent collection at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City.”
Inspire fans to remember their best memories
Colletti’s commentary is particularly valuable because it highlights the connections between different eras of Dodgers history. For example, he discusses how the legacies of players like Robinson and Sandy Koufax have influenced subsequent generations of Dodgers players.
Colletti also provides interesting anecdotes and behind-the-scenes stories that add depth and color to the narrative. His ability to connect the dots between different eras and players helps readers understand the broader context of the franchise’s rich legacy.
More importantly, the book acts as a catalyst for fans to recall some of their fondest memories of the club, even if they don’t appear on the pages. Colletti mentioned that one of the greatest moments he witnessed as the team’s GM was the comeback against the Padres in 2006, when Jeff Kent, JD Drew, Russell Martin and Marlon Anderson hit consecutive home runs in the ninth inning to tie the game and eventually win it in the 10th inning.th on a solo hit by Nomar Garciaparra into the Left Field Pavilion.
Colletti also mentioned the Manny Ramirez deal in 2008 as one of his most memorable, as it was completed in the final moments of the deadline. He noted that while trades often take several months to complete, the Ramirez trade with the Red Sox was completely put together in less than six hours.
“We got to the very last minutes of the deadline and the commissioner had to approve any deal that changed hands for $2 million or more. Rob Manfred was Bud Selig’s deputy, so we all went through everything in a phone call in the last few seconds. That was it.”
It is also worth mentioning that Hobrecht believes that the project will never end due to evolving historical cycles.
“This is a live book,” Hobrecht said. “We’ll have more all-time Dodger greats. We’ll add more all-time moments to this book in another version three to five years later. It’s not finished and it never will be finished.”
Why should you buy The All-Time Dodgers Art Book
If you love the Dodgers or are a baseball fan in general, this book isn’t just another addition to your collection – it’s a treasure trove of Dodgers history that will captivate and inspire you. This book stands out from similar works because it combines stunning imagery with compelling commentary, creating a work that goes beyond mere fandom.
It’s more than just a book. It’s a celebration of the franchise’s storied legacy, carefully crafted to provide an insider’s view that’s as insightful as it is exciting. The pages are packed with exclusive content that brings the team’s journey to life, making it a must-have not only to read, but to enjoy again and again.
Unlike the usual volumes that often gather dust on the shelf, this gem is designed to be the centerpiece of your memory collection, one that you will pull out again and again to showcase its stunning images and rich anecdotes. Each time you open it, you will be engrossed in its pages and will gladly share its wonders with friends and family.
Where to order
Let’s not forget the presentation. The book comes in a beautifully laminated gift box, perfectly sealed so that from the moment you open it, it feels as special as the stories within. This isn’t just a book – it’s a celebration of Dodgers greatness that deserves a place of honor in every fan’s home.
“The people I’ve heard from have been blown away by how beautiful everything is,” Colletti said. “When you get it, it’s classy in its execution and presentation. There’s something unique in each piece of art that fits the story of each player. Everyone I talk to is blown away by its beauty, style and unique approach.”
If you are ready to order a copy for yourself, you can visit these websites:
If you are interested in a signed copy of Hobrecht, Colletti and Hershiser, you can visit Legends’ Attic in Claremont.
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