This commissioned painting of Connie Mack Stadium was an interesting request and a fun challenge for me.
The ballpark was located in Philadelphia, originally named Shibe Park it opened in 1909, later in 1953 it was renamed Connie Mack Stadium. The ballpark was home to The Philadelphia Athletics and Phillies. A few years after the stadium closed the building was finally demolished in 1976.
Research on the history of the ballpark began my process. Family members including neighbors old enough to remember the stadium filled me with interesting stories, and fond memories. The painting became even more special, as I grew to know the history, and the stories this building held.
The beginning, drawing stage.
Painting begins: Acrylic paint on cold press watercolor paper.
Close up view: this building held many many windows!
My dad had a few memories at this ballpark, one in particular occurred on the day he attended the last baseball game played in that stadium on October 1, 1970. He amusingly recalled the last play of the 10th inning, ( Phillies defeated the Montreal Expos) the seat he was sitting in began to move abruptly. My dad surprisingly looked around, noticed the fans in the stadium removing the seats and grabbing anything in reach to take home a souvenir. The fans that day won a little piece of sports history.
Read more:
The history of Shibe/Connie Mack Stadium
The Philadelphia Athletics history
Bleacher houses watching the game from outside the stadium. (loved looking at these old images!)
jennifer barrile 