Dodger great Orel Hershiser buys historic Jackie Robinson artwork

LOS ANGELES – Former Los Angeles Dodger great and current broadcaster Orel Hershiser is celebrating Jackie Robinson Day along with all of Major League Baseball in commemorating Robinson’s first day in the majors and breaking the color barrier.

Hershiser also will be celebrating his purchase of 10 Dodger art pieces of world-renowned sports artist Dave Hobrecht including the masterpiece painting titled “Grace” featuring Robinson praying around a dinner table with former Dodger greats Roy Campanella and Don Newcombe and social rights activist Martin Luther King Jr.

Hobrecht’s famed painting has resided at the Negro League Baseball Museum in Kansas City, MO and while Hershiser has become the new owner on Jackie Robinson Day, the painting will not be going anywhere.

“I’ve told Negro Leagues Baseball Museum President Bob Kendrick that this piece of art belongs right where it is,” said Hershiser.  “I’m honored to be its owner.  It marks a very important historical time, and it is important to keep this piece where people can learn about this moment.  My goal is to enhance all sports fans experiences; whether it be in Legends’ Attic, a museum or a ballpark.”

“Dave informed me of the change of ownership of “Grace”, said Bob Kendrick, President of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.  “I was so happy to hear it was Dodger legend Orel Hershiser.  After hearing Orel’s passion for us and “Grace”, we agreed it was in the perfect place!  Grace is a powerful and important piece that helps convey the Negro League’s importance in helping advance civil rights in this country.”

Hobrecht donated this piece for display at the museum in 2020, but the wooden canvas had been wrecked during shipment, resulting in a crack that completely detached the bottom portion of the image from the rest.

Hobrecht and Kendrick decided to reframe the piece and keep it the way it arrived in Kansas City.

“Not having a breakable spirit—that’s Jackie Robinson,” Kendrick said.  “The painting is broken, but you won’t break our spirit.  So we decided to unveil it with the damage and that it would be a metaphor that beautifully captures what Jackie was all about.”

“I remember when I heard the painting was broken in half by Fedex I was so upset, frustrated…actually mad!”, said Hobrecht.  “I remember flying to Kansas City to try and touch up “grace” before the ceremony for Jackie Robinson Day the following afternoon.  Once I arrived…that anger left.  It is impossible to not be inspired at The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.  This place is magical.

“As I was touching up Jackie Robinson, Don Newcombe, Roy Campanella and Martin Luther King Jr….a smiling Buck O’Neil portrait was in front of me.  It was an incredible feeling.  To top it off…listening to Bob Kendrick do his interviews all day…and hearing his knowledge…it’s something special.

“If you are anywhere near Kansas City, stop by and see “Grace”.  The story I heard had to be told on canvas.  Even more important…stop by the museum…to help celebrate, learn and educate yourself on thousands of these untold stories in one of the most important sports museums in our country.”

Hobrecht published “The All-Time Dodgers Art Book” as a result of a collaboration with former Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti.  The original “Grace” painting was a result of conversations that Colletti had with Robinson’s teammate Newcombe.   Has not seen beforeThe unique paintings are a culmination of Colletti’s All-Time Team of Dodgers.  With 18 essays, more than 30 player reviews and 80 works of original art, this book this book is a feast for the mind and the eye of any Dodgers fan.  Hobrecht also contributes his exquisite charcoal/pastel paintings to provide an unparalleled artistic quality that brings these players to life in a way that has not been seen before.

 Hobrecht is a world-renowned sports artist whose work is collected by art patrons across the globe.  He is known for his classic, yet innovative black and white sports paintings, dramatic sports subjects, and masterful technique.

Hobrecht is a sports enthusiast whose life was changed dramatically when he was hit by a car as a young teenager.  Upon waking up in a hospital bed weeks later, he learned he would not have the opportunity to fulfill his dreams as an athlete.  With both legs shattered and his goals of athletic success gone, he found a new way to participate in the sports he loved by refocusing his efforts toward documenting sports through art.