Cooper To Focus On Yankees Dream Scene Next

Jamie Cooper is at it again!  The artist that brought us the Phillies Dream Scene painting will soon begin work on another dream scene.  This one will be based on the New York Yankees.  Mr. Cooper will start painting this week, and plans to have it completed by the end of April.  The finished piece will measure 6ft by 4ft and will be auctioned off during the 2013 National Sports Collectors Convention in Chicago, IL.

Below is a preliminary rough sketch of what the finished piece will look like.  Along with the rough sketch, Mr. Cooper sent over the story that goes along with it.  No word yet on whether prints will be made available.

The story so far.

We are taken to a private corner of a mythical Yankees Clubhouse.  One that reflects the changing décor of the rooms over the past 100 years.   All is smoky and atmospheric.  And here, as if a time machine has skimmed back through history, are the 5 greatest Yankees to have donned the famous pinstripes.

From left to right.

Babe Ruth reclines holding the war club with which he hit the 60th home run in 1927.  Inscribed on it are the initials T.Z (Tom Zachary – the unfortunate pitcher).  He sits in front of his metal locker from the late 1920’s and 30’s.  Perhaps a door could be open to reveal a big fur coat, a box of cigars and other features of the man’s tastes and fashion in the 20’s.

Above it is the famous Yankees façade that is a feature of the current day clubhouse.

Derek Jeter stands overlooking the group with a friendly hand resting on Gehrig’s shoulder.  This symbolizes the respect felt toward him from all the Yankees faithful.

Lou Gehrig himself is central in this scene.  Proud yet humbled to be part of this elite group, he is happy to let the bigger personalities take the limelight.  But in reality, he is the embodiment of the Yankees great tradition.

Mickey Mantle circa 1956, leans in to join the fun with a big, all American smile and a can of Ballantine beer in his hand.

Behind them are 2 iconic lockers from the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s.  Mantle’s on the left and DiMaggios’ on the right.

In Mantle’s locker are towels from the period, lots of bandages, a bottle of Yoo Hoo, pictures of loved ones and a reference to his triple crown in 1956.

DiMaggio’s locker will feature a carton of Chesterfields, a picture of Marilyn, and a news cutting of his 56 game hitting streak.  The clothes hanging will reflect his wardrobe of the time.  There will also be a small written slogan from Joe saying, “I’d like to thank the good lord for making me a Yankee”.

DiMaggio himself casts an eye across the scene to Ruth, the two of them, as gatekeepers to this magical moment and as elder statesmen of the greatest baseball club on the planet.  Of course he has a Chesterfield in his hand.

Behind him to the right are the wonderful industrial looking lockers of the early 1920’s.  There will be plenty of balls and towels scattered around, a couple of beer cans and other post game paraphernalia.  The carpet in the foreground is the one from the current day clubhouse featuring the small NY logos.