Wes Unseld 2010

Wes Unseld Drawing

Washington Bullets retired Center/Forward, Hall of Famer. I have never really liked basketball. I was never good at it, and don't really like to watch it. Basketball does however hold a special place in my heart. It is my fathers favorite sport. I still have his adult recreation league championship trophy from the year I was born. When I was a little boy, Pop took me to my first professional sports event. It was a Washington Bullets game at the old Capital Center. The Bullets played the Seattle Supersonics, and we got there early so we could see the pre-game shoot around. We went down to court side, and I got autographs from Wes Unseld, and Kevin Greavy.

Wes was the second pick overall in the 1968 draft. That year he won Rookie of the Year Honors as well as League MVP (only the second player ever to do so behind Wilt Chamberlain). Regarded as one of the best defensive players of his era, Wes lead the NBA in rebounds in 1975. Wes played his entire career with the Washington Bullets (1968-1981). Wes was enshrined into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1988.

Anquan Boldin 2010

Autographed Anquan Boldin Drawing

Anquan Boldin and Joshua with my drawing

Anquan signing my drawing

Baltimore Ravens Wide Receiver. Chosen by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2003 NFL Draft, Anquan has played opposite of Larry Fitzgerald who I drew two seasons ago. In 2003 he was the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. In his first game as a rookie, he had 217 yards receiving which is an NFL record. He was the fastest player in NFL history to reach 400 and 500 career receptions. He has been to three Pro Bowls.

On March 6, the Baltimore Ravens made a trade with the Arizona Cardinals for Anquan. He is pictured here in my drawing, three days later, in his Ravens uniform which he has never actually worn yet.

In week 3 of the Ravens 2010 season against the Cleveland Browns, Anquan became the fastest player in NFL history to reach 600 receptions. (He also caught three touchdowns passes in the win) Two days later, Joshua and I went to Anquan's autograph signing at Great Moments in Westminster.

Deontre Johnson 2010

Deontre Johnson Drawing

Deontre is a Middle Linebacker/Fullback for Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School

In his senior year playing for the Wise High School Pumas, Deontre played middle linebacker and full back. For the season on offense he had 405 yards on 77 carries with 7 touchdowns. On defense he had 116 tackles. His team set a state record with eight straight shut outs, and in the State Championship Game played at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Deontre had 20 tackles.

Deontre is the son of a long time friend from work. I have not even seen Deontre since he was playing in my swimming pool at seven or eight years old. Now he is going off to play college football for Shepherd University in West Virginia where he hopes to play safety. His Dad and my good friend CJ is very proud of him!

1958 Baltimore Colts Hall of Famers: 2010

1958 Baltimore Colts Hall of Famer Drawing

BFK Rives printmaking paper 22x30

Lenny Moore signing my drawing

Gino Marchetti signing my drawing

Art Donovan signing my drawing

Raymond Berry signing my drawing

On December 28,1958 The Baltimore Colts played the New York Giants in the NFL Championship game at Yankee Stadium. The game went into sudden death overtime, and the Colts won 23-17. The game is referred to as "The greatest game ever played."

No.82 Raymond Berry: Wide Receiver

Raymond's 12 receptions in the 1958 Championship Game are a championship game record that still holds today. Raymond was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1973.

No.24 Lenny Moore: Half back/Wide Receiver

Lenny was signed by the Colts in 1956 and won the NFL Rookie of the Year Award. Between 1963 and 1965 he scored a touchdown in 18 consecutive games (interrupted by 5 games with an injury), a record that was tied 40 years later in 2005 by Ladainian Tomlinson. He is the only player in NFL history with over 40 reception touchdowns, and over 40 rushing touchdowns. Lenny was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1975.

No. 70 Art Donovan: Defensive Tackle

Art went to 5 straight Pro Bowls from 1954-1958. He played on both of the back to back Colt Championship teams, 1958 and 1959. Art was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1968.

No.89 Gino Marchetti: Defensive End

Gino played for the Colts for 13 seasons. In the 1958 Championship game, he fractured his ankle but remained on the sideline for the entire game. The injury broke a streak of 9 consecutive Pro Bowls. In 1969 the Hall of Fame voted him as "The greatest Defensive End in pro football history." Gino was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1972.

On March 6,2010 I went to Great Moments Memorabilia Shop for the autograph signing.

Matt Stover 2010

Matt Stover drawing

NFL Place Kicker. Signed by the Indianapolis Colts at the start of the 2009 season, Matt was the third most accurate kicker in NFL history, and fifth all time in scoring. Matt played the previous thirteen seasons for the Baltimore Ravens, including winning Super Bowl XXXIV. On Feb.7,2010, at 42 years and 11 days, Matt became the oldest player to start a Super Bowl. Matt kicked a field goal to become the oldest player to score points in a Super Bowl, but the Colts lost to the New Orleans Saints.

Jared Gaither 2010

Jared Gaither drawing

Baltimore Ravens Offensive Tackle. Jared played his college ball for the University of Maryland Terrapins. At 6'9" and 340 lbs., Jared is the biggest player in the NFL.

Ray Rice 2009

Autographed Ray Rice Drawing

Joshua and Jacob with Ray Rice and my drawing

Ray signing my drawing

Baltimore Ravens Running Back. In just his second year, Ray not only lead the Ravens in rushing, and receiving yards, he was second overall in the NFL in all purpose yards (2041 total). He also had 286 combined yards in the two playoff games. Ray was only the eighth player in NFL history to have over 1000 yards rushing, and 700 yards receiving, Ray was named team MVP, and named to the 2010 NFL Pro Bowl, his first.

Thanks to Cedar at Bolt Athletics.com for getting me the picture of Joshua and Jacob with Ray and my drawing!

Lindsey Vonn 2010

Lindsey Vonn Drawing

US Ski Team Alpine Racer. My sister Rebekah has been following, and gotten me interested in Lindsey's career as she trains for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. Lindsey is already the most successful American woman skier in World Cup history. In 2009, Lindsey became the first American woman ever to win back to back World Cup Championships (2008,2009). She is second all time, only to Bode Miller, in American World Cup wins for American skiers male or female. She is also now the first female athlete that I have drawn.

Feb. 18,2010 Yesterday while I was skiing with my poppa, and son, Lindsey won the first ever American Olympic Gold in women's downhill.

Haloti Ngata 2009

Autographed Haloti Ngata Drawing

Haloti signing my drawing at Great Moments Timonium

Haloti with Joshua at Great Moments Timonium

Defensive Tackle for the Baltimore Ravens. In the 2006 NFL Draft, the Baltimore Ravens selected Haloti as their first round pick (12th overall). This year at seasons end, Haloti was elected to his first Pro Bowl. On Jan. 7,2010, Joshua and I went to Jay's Great Moments memorabilia shop in Timonium Md. for Haloti's autograph session.

Cassius Clay 2010

Cassius Clay Drawing

2010 marks the 50 year anniversary of Cassius Clay winning a Gold Medal at the 1960 Rome Olympics. Five years later, the year I was born, Cassius had joined the Nation of Islam, and changed his name to Muhammed Ali.

Ray Lewis 2009

Ray Lewis drawing 2009

On December 20,2009 I went to my first Ravens game. During the pre-game warm ups, I went down to the front row of the end zone where the Ravens were. This was the first time that I had seen Ray, or any of the Ravens that I have drawn live. I really didn't think much of it until I was up in my seat during the player introductions. When Ray exploded out of the tunnel, and did his dance, the place went nuts! His presence just electrified the crowd, just as it has done for fourteen years now in Baltimore. Ray Lewis IS the Ravens! At seasons end, Ray was elected to his eleventh Pro Bowl.

Derrick Mason 2009

Derrick Mason drawing 2009

On December 20,2009 against the Chicago Bears, Derrick in the first quarter, became only the sixteenth player in NFL history to make 850 catches. That was my first Ravens game.

Terrell Suggs 2009

Terrell Suggs drawing 2009

Baltimore Ravens Outside Linebacker

Ray Lewis 2008

Ray Lewis drawing 2008

Middle Linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens. The teams leader on and off the field for many years, Ray is now regarded as one of the best linebackers of all time. Ray was the MVP of the 2000 Superbowl.

Ed Reed 2008

Ed Reed drawing 2008

Safety for the Baltimore Ravens. I heard one broadcaster say, "his ability to create chaos on the field is second to none. When he makes an interception, or recovers a fumble, his ability to switch his brain and body into an offensive minded ball carrier makes him the best that ever played his position."

Mark Clayton 2008

Mark Clayton drawing 2008

Baltimore Ravens Wide Receiver

Joe Flacco 2008

Joe Flacco drawing 2008

In 2008 the Baltimore Ravens under rookie quarterback Joe Flacco had an 11-5 record. Joe became the first rookie quarterback to win a road playoff game, and in fact won two before losing the AFC Championship Game to the Pittsburgh Steelers who went on to win the Superbowl.

John Harbaugh 2008

John Harbaugh drawing 2008

Head Coach for the Baltimore Ravens. Prior to the 2008 NFL season, the experts said the Ravens would win 3-5 games under rookie Head Coach John Harbaugh. This was due in part to having a rookie quarterback Joe Flacco, who played the previous year for Delaware University. The Ravens went on to have an 11-5 season, and advanced through the playoffs to the AFC Championship game. They lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers who went on the win the Superbowl.

Nick Markakis 2009

Autographed Nick Markakis drawing

Nick Markakis signing my drawing

Joshua and Nick with my drawing

Baltimore Orioles right Fielder: I did this drawing in 2009, but on Sept. 5,2010, Joshua and I went to Great Moments White Marsh for this signing.

Melvin Mora 2009

Autographed Melvin Mora Drawing

Melvin Autographing my drawing

Melvin was the long time third baseman for the baltimore Orioles. After the 2009 season, the Orioles traded Melvin to the Colorado Rockies. On April 22,2010 I went to Nationals Park to see the Washington Nationals play the Rockies. When Melvin finished batting practice he came over and signed the drawing.

Dave Trembley 2009

Dave Trembley drawing 2009

Baltimore Orioles Manager

Gregg Zaun 2009

Gregg Zaun drawing 2009

Baltimore Orioles catcher. Gregg is the nephew of former Baltimore Orioles catcher Rick Dempsey. Rick was the MVP of the 1983 World Series that the Orioles won. Gregg was traded during the 2009 season, when Matt Weiters was brought up from triple A ball.

Kevin Millar 2006

Kevin Millar drawing 2006

Daniel Cabrera 2008

Daniel Cabrera drawing 2008

Right handed power pitcher. Daniel threw in the upper nineties when he started with the Baltimore Orioles, but never reached his potential. In the 2009 season he was traded to the Washington Nationals, who eventually released him.

Josh Hamilton 2009

Josh Hamilton drawing 2009

During the summer of 2009, I read Josh's book Beyond Belief. In the book he used the Bible verse James 4:7 as a creed to help him overcome addiction. The verse reads, "Humble yourself before God, resist the Devil, and he will flee from you." Sounds like a good creed for all of us to follow! Thanks Josh! Good lick and God bless you!

Vladimir Guerrero 2008

Vladimir Guerrero 2008

Outfielder for the Anaheim Angels. Described by some as the best "Bad Ball" hitter in the game, I once saw Vladimir hit a single on a pitch at Camden Yards, that actually bounced on the ground before it crossed home plate.Vladimir hits barehanded, I saw this drawing as a challenge as hands and faces are the hardest things to draw.

Lou Montanez 2008

Lou Montanez drawing 2008

Joshua and I went to see the Bowie Baysox a few times during the 2008 season. Before the season was over, Lou was called up to the Baltimore Orioles big club, and hit a home run in his first major league at bat.

Billy Wagner 2008

Billy Wagner drawing 2008

Closer for the New York Mets. During the week every summer when my family is on Long Beach Island for vacation, the only baseball news I get is from the local papers. During the summer of 2008, all the news was about pitcher Billy Wagner being injured, and going on the DL.

Barry Bonds 2008

Barry Bonds drawing 2008

Although surrounded by suspicions of steroids towards the end of his career, he has still hit more home runs than anyone in history (762). On June 13,2004 my fathers birthday, Barry and the San Francisco Giants played an inner-league game at Camden Yards. Barry hit home run number 676 of his career, and his 500th as a Giant.

Maryland Terrapin Quarterback Chris Turner 2008

Chris Turner drawing 2008

Joshua and I went to see the University of Maryland Terps football game against the Florida State Seminoles during the 2008 season. It was probably the coldest event that I have ever been to. By the end of the game, the Terps were getting blown out, and Byrd Stadium was empty. Joshua and I stayed to the bitter end, and went down to the front row of the Terps side of the field for the fourth quarter.

Kelley Washington 2009

Kelley Washington drawing

2009 Baltimore Ravens Wide Receiver

Michael Phelps (2008)

Michael Phelps drawing

A Baltimore native, Michael's record eight gold medals at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing China, is considered one of the greatest Olympics performances ever. He is considered by most as the greatest Olympic athlete ever with 16 total medals (14 golds and 2 bronze).

Chirstiano Renaldo (2008)

Christiano Renaldo drawing

Considered by many as the greatest soccer player in the world, at the time of this drawing Christiano was playing for Manchester United. The Red Devils as they are called are from where my father was born in England.

Randy Johnson 2009

Randy Johnson drawing (2009)

Randy Johnson "The big unit", left handed pitcher for the San Francisco Giants. On June 4,2009 I went by myself in a pouring rain to Nationals Park to see Randy Johnson pitch. The previous night I had sat by myself for four hours in a pouring rain to see him pitch. When the game was finally over, Randy had won his 300th game as a starting pitcher. He was the 24th pitcher all time to do so, and only the 6th left hander. Experts think that he may be the last pitcher ever to achieve this.

Larry Fitzgerald 2009

Larry Fitzgerald drawing

Wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals. During the NFL 2008 playoffs, Larry re-wrote the playoff record books for receivers. He had 546 yards on 30 receptions, with 7 touchdowns. In the NFC Championship Game, he tied the game record with 3 touchdown catches (all in the first half). He scored 2 touchdowns in the Superbowl, and 2 more in the Probowl, winning the MVP award for that game. He is just amazing to watch!

Ryan Zimmerman (2009)

Ryan Zimmerman drawing

In the 2008 season, the Washington Nationals opened their new stadium Nationals Park. Pop and Joshua and I were there for the Inaugural game, when in the bottom of the ninth inning Ryan hit a walk off home run! At the end of the 2009 season, Ryan was awarded with his first Gold Glove award for the National League third baseman.

Yankees (The Evil Empire)

Mario Rivera Drawing

Mickey Mantle Drawing

Babe Ruth Drawing

Closer Pitcher Mariano Rivera

Every one knows how I feel about the Yankees, but you can't deny the talent of some of the players over the decades. Mariano Rivera is one of those players, nicknamed the "sand-man" because he puts the other team to sleep when he enters the game. Mariano will be in the Hall of Fame one day, and will probably be considered the best closer that ever played the game.

Mickey Mantle

One of the of the New York Yankees "Sultans of Swat". My parents first date was in 1961. They went to Yankee Stadium to see Roger Maris, and Mickey Mantle in their epic home run battle.

Babe Ruth

There is no question that Babe was one of the greatest baseball players of all time. Although he never played for the Baltimore Orioles, he was born just a couple blocks from what is now Orioles Park at Camden Yards. His number was retired at Yankee Stadium on June 13,1948 just a couple months before his death. That day was also my fathers tenth birthday, and first birthday in the United States after emigrating from England. The photograph that this drawing was done from was taken by New York News photographer Nat Fein. In 1948 the photograph won a Pulitzer Prize, and has been called by the New York Times, "the most celebrated photograph in sports history."