It takes a lot of work to do what you do. What are you getting out of this?
The reward for me, as an artist, is to create something that has never been done before. I am an amateur baseball historian and my love for the game goes far deeper than just the current standings or who is pitching well on my favorite team. Baseball is one of the most complicated, beautiful, original slices of American history and its tale never ceases to fascinate me. I am looking forward to making something that becomes a part of that tale.
What’s your favorite story about who you met along the way?
The very first photograph of a living player I ever took was of Yogi Berra. I had been nervous about integrating the living players for a while and was uncertain of what to expect, but he was so cordial and sweet, it inspired every photo of a living player that I have taken since. I had a similar experience with Ernie Banks. All of the members of the Hall had great careers. But Berra and Banks were legends. To have my own moment with them, and to receive such warm encouragement from them has helped drive me when I didn’t believe that I really could finish this thing. The fact that they have passed since I started the project has only made that fact that much more poignant.
Anyone not willing to help?
Only two players have ever told me no, they did not wish to be photographed. The first was Bob Gibson, but he eventually acquiesced and he became photo number 211 in the project. I would like to decline to name the second one because I still have not photographed him and I don’t want to make him look bad. I would like to believe that he will eventually get on board.