“100th Anniversary of Baseball” by Norman Rockwell

"100th Anniversary of Baseball"
from July 8, 1939

It would appear that this cover is historically inaccurate. The Saturday Evening Post decided that since Abner Doubleday “invented” the game of baseball in 1839, who better to commemorate the event in 1939 than America’s favorite artist, Norman Rockwell? Apparently the Doubleday story has no basis in truth, and the beginnings of baseball are rather nebulous. All this aside, we have to agree that the combination of the all-American pastime and the all-American artist is a happy one.

“Baseball Catcher” by J.C. Leyendecker

"Baseball Catcher"
from May 15, 1909

Giving life to this cover is none other than Rockwell’s friend and mentor, artist J.C. Leyendecker. This 1909 cover is not typical of Leyendecker’s often lavish and “artsy” style.

“Baseball Catcher Looking Up” by Robert Robinson

"Baseball Catcher Looking Up"
from October 1, 1910

Where did it go? We love the catcher’s mitt in this 1910 cover from Robert Robinson.

“Gramps at the Plate” by Norman Rockwell

"Gramps at the Plate"
from August 5, 1916

In this 1916 Rockwell cover, grandpa is taking no prisoners. We’re not sure how good a batter he is, but he’s one of the few players around in spats.

“Dad at Bat” by Alan Foster

"Dad at Bat"
from June 1, 1929

Dad gets into the act in this 1929 cover by artist Alan Foster. A littler overdressed, but good stance, pops.

“Island Game” by Stevan Dohanos

"Island Game"
from April 21, 1945

The U.S. Marine Corps did not let a world war get in the way of a good game. Okay, a contentious game. In the background to the left is Lt. Howard Munce who told artist Stevan Dohanos about this game when he was stationed in the South Pacific. Lt. Munce was an artist as well, and later fought at Iwo Jima. Notice the Corsair in the background getting patched up. We don’t know if the final call favored the Marine Air Corps or the South Pacific League.

See other great covers, including John Falter’s painting of the great Stan Musial in “Great Post Baseball Covers.”

Classic Covers: Baseball The Saturday Evening Post

I know this may be a stretch, but I have a special request. I am looking for an issue of your magazine from September 2, 1944. It is special to me because I am the boy scout in the painting by Stephen Dohanos. His son was a pal of mind and, in the 6th grade, I was asked to post in my scout uniform. I think I got paid $10! Plus I spent the night at his house and had a great time. I can still remember the shoot. Any change I could obtain a copy for my daughter. Thanks for your time and attention.

Sincerely,
George

George:

How nice to hear from you! We love to hear from former models for our wonderful cover artists and Dohanos was one of the best. September 2, 1944 is a cover showing three dogs looking wistfully at a departing school bus. You can see kids in the back windows of the bus, and I take it you’re the scout waving good-bye to the faithful friends.

You can obtain copies of most of the great artwork from our covers at www.curtispublishing.com.

Sincerely,
Saturday Evening Post Archives

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Blast from the Past The Saturday Evening Post