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 Artist Dave Hobrecht Photo Gallery
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Congratulations To One Of Our Readers, Artist Dave Hobrecht!

Every once in a while, we like to take a break from a lot of the “heavy writing”and the posting of old baseball photos that we do around here (actually, I’m just kidding…we love it!). But today I’m happy to say I have something to write about that’s just a bit different.

We always like to highlight the accomplishments of our readers, especially if it has any connection at all to the game that we all love, baseball. And so today I’m happy to shine the spotlight on our reader Dave Hobrecht, a sports artist from Laguna Beach. Being a California guy, Dave is an avid Dodger fan. He has succeeded in turning his passion for Dodger baseball – along with his considerable artistic talents – into a true labor of love. He produces unique black-and-white paintings of many of the Dodger greats from their glorious past. Considering all the talented players just from the “Boys of Summer” teams alone, Dave has a lot to work with!

In reading Dave’s biography, I learned that in his early years, Dave was an aspiring athlete and sports enthusiast. Unfortunately, his life was changed at age 13 when he was tragically hit by a car. Upon waking up in a hospital bed two weeks later, Dave sadly learned his dreams of becoming an athlete were over. With both legs shattered and doctors telling him he may never walk again, he realized he needed to find other avenues in which to channel his love for sports. From that point in his life, he decided to refocus his efforts toward documenting sports through art.

Dave was able to turn his early misfortune into a highly successful career as a professional sports artist, well-known throughout the field for his innovative black-and-white sports paintings. In addition, through sheer will and determination, he was able to overcome his prognosis of never being able to walk again and now spends his spare time at the beach with his wife and four children.

Dave has recently started a new company called The All-Time (Face book page: @TheAllTimeCo) to showcase his work. He recently told me that he has collaborated with former Dodgers’ GM Ned Colletti to create a roster of some of the all-time greatest Dodgers. Dave will be doing black-and-white paintings for each of Ned’s selections.

He and Ned also have a book project in mind. Here’s some information about it from Dave’s The All-Time web site (thealltime.com):

“Imagine constructing a franchise baseball team unrestricted by time or money. That’s what we have in “The All-Time” Dodgers. The end product is a book of all-time great Dodger legends at each position, selected by former Dodger General Manager Ned Colletti and painted by legendary sports artist Dave Hobrecht. The All-Time Dodgers book will provide baseball fans with a detailed look into MLB Executive Colletti’s mind and Hobrecht’s unique black-and-white portraits. This collection of work is a fantastic place to launch (or continue) the debate about which all-time Dodger is truly greater and to imagine your own roster and starting lineup.”

Dave’s latest painting highlights legendary Dodger second baseman, Jackie Robinson. It’s aptly titled, “Game Changer.” Dave had this to say about Jackie and the painting:

“I knew that Jackie’s legacy extended far beyond the game of baseball. I wanted to create something that not only paid tribute to Jackie himself, but also to all of the lives that he affected. In the painting, Branch Rickey and Vin Scully look on as Dodger players of all races, religions, and ethnicities line up to shake Jackie’s hand and pay him their respects. This is a legendary painting for a legendary man. Canvas and wood prints of “Game Changer” and other works are available on thealltime.com.”

I’ve featured “Game Changer” above. It can also be seen on Dave’s Facebook page (@TheAllTImeCo) along with some other examples of his outstanding work. Check the page out…I think you’ll enjoy it. 

Again…congratulations, Dave. We wish you well in your new endeavor!

Gary Livacari 

Photo Credits: Art work sent by Dave Hobrecht

Information: From messages exchanges with Dave Hobrecht

Check out my two books, both now available on Amazon in e-book and paperback:  “Paul Pryor in His Own Words: The Life and TImes of a 20-Year Major League Umpire”and “Memorable World Series Moments.” All profits go to the Illinois Veterans Foundation.

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