Doug Creek 2011

Doug Creek Autographed Drawing

Doug and Joshua at the Cal Ripken 12U State Tournament

Doug autographing my drawing

Retired Major League Left Handed Pitcher: Doug played professional baseball for fifteen years, and had a nine year major league career. Doug pitched in the MLB for the Cardinals, Giants, Cubs, Devil Rays, Tigers, Blue Jays, and Tigers. He also pitched one year on Japan for the Hanshin Tigers. Doug now retired lives in Maryland and instructs youth baseball. On his web site, he says, "I am from the old school and a firm believer in work ethic and commitment. If you desire to be your very best, I invite you to my facility and watch how little rascals become fine young men."

This weekend, Joshua is playing in the Cal Ripken/Babe Ruth 12U State Tournament in La Plata, Maryand. Doug was the special guest speaker at the opening ceremony held last night. I enjoyed speaking to him last night and today at the baseball complex.

Rod Langway 2011

Rod Langway Drawing

Retired NHL Defenseman: Rod played in the NHL from 1977-1993. He was drafted by the Montreal Canadians in 1977, and won the Stanley Cup with them in the 78-79 season. Montreal traded him to the Washington Capitals for the 82-83 season. He remained there for 11 years, and was the Captain for all 11 years. Nicknamed "The Secretary of Defense", Rod won the James Norris Memorial Trophy for the NHL top Defenseman in back to back seasons (82 and 83). Rod was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2002.

I have written before about my Pop and I going to Capitals games at the old Capital Center. Rod was one of our favorite players. "Hard working, never complaining, defense first, physical play and willing to get into a scrap or two." Rod was one of the last two players to not wear a helmet after the NHL made them mandatory. There was a "Grandfather Clause" that allowed him to do so.

The Kent Island Bay Times June 15,2011

The Bay Times Featuring Jacob and I

Jacob with "Precious Flower" at the Garden Show opening reception

In the last post, I featured the May show at KIFA. This month was the Garden show. Jacob got an honorable mention from Judge Sally Clark. The Bay Times featured both of us in the Arts section today.

Kent Island Federation of Arts 48th Annual Open Judged show 2011

1958 NFL Championship Drawing

Mates for Life Goose Drawing (Third place Amateur division)

Sunrise mallards Drawing

In May, I finally joined the Kent Island Federation of Arts. I entered these three pieces into the 48th Annual Open Judged Show. I was entered in the Amateur division, and my Mates for Life Goose drawing received third place from the judge Tilghman Hemsley. The Judges statement on the drawing was, "This piece is a beautiful study of nature and the artist is inventive and curious."

Cliff Lee 2011

Cliff Lee Drawing

Philadelphia Left Handed Pitcher: Cliff has pitched for the Cleveland Indians, Seattle Mariners, Texas Rangers, and is now with the Philadelphia Phillies for the second time. Cliff won the 2008 Cy Young Award with the Indians. He pitched in game 1 and 5 of the 2009 World Series for the Phillies, despite the team losing to the New York Yankees. He pitched in game 1 and 5 of the 2010 World Series for the Texas Rangers, despite the team losing to the San Francisco Giants.

I did this drawing to donate a print to the Berkshire Baseball Club in Pennsylvania. They contacted me after the Potter Baseball Extravaganza in February.

Al Bumbry, Mike Bielecki 2011

Al Bumbry Autographed Drawing

Al with Joshua

Al signing my drawing in the dugout

Baltimore Orioles Retired Outfielder: Al played 13 of his 14 years in the big leagues with the Orioles. He was named the AL Rookie of the Year in 1973. He played with the Orioles in two World Series, including 1983 when they were Champions.

Mike Bielecki Autographed Drawing (His 1985 Rookie Card)

Mike with my drawing of his 1985 Rookie card

Mike Bielecki signing my drawing

Retired MLB Pitcher: Mike played for 5 teams over his 14 year MLB career. He pitched for the Atlanta Braves in the 1996 World Series. He pitched for the Braves three separate times. Mike pitched an inning for the Angels in the Cal Ripken Jr.s' 2131 game where Cal broke Lou Gehrigs' record for consecutive games.

On Thursday April 21,2011 a freind of mine Gus Kaplanges who owns the Bay Bridge Batting Academy, hosted three spring break mini camps at Love Pt. Park where Joshua plays baseball, and I serve as Equipment Manager for his league.The guest Coaches were former Baltimore Orioles outfielder Al Bumbry, Baltimore native and former MLB pitcher Mike Bielecki, and Catching Coach from the Baltimore Baseball Club Rick Straub. Joshua and I arrived at Love Pt. Park at 8 am., and lined the field for the days events. We were joined shortly by Gus and the rest of the coaches. Joshua participated in the catching camp, and I with a few other guest coaches assisted the younger boys lead by Al Bumbry. After the clinics and an autograph session, Gus invited Joshua and I to lunch with Mike Bielecki. I sat for over an hour listening to Mike answer my questions about the big leagues. He told stories about pitching to Tony Pena, and playing for Bobby Cox. Between assisting Al in the clinic, and having lunch with Mike, it was like an MLB fantasy day for me!

Fourth Presbyterian Art Show

Dhani Jones Drawing

Mates for Life Drawing

My display at the Fourth Spring Festival

(my picture and bio, and drawings by Jacob and Joshua under my drawings)

Mom with the Dhani drawing

Mom and I at the Fourth Spring Festival

On April 9th, Fourth Presbyterian Church in Bethesda Md. hosted its first Spring Festival to glorify God by bringing the community together in fellowship. An art show by people associated with the church was one of the attractions. My mom asked me to be a part. The first piece I chose to enter was my Mates for Life picture of geese. It is a larger piece and represents where I live. The other piece I entered was Dhani Jones. One of my Moms' good friends and fellow Deacons at Fourth is Dhani Jones mother. Dhani attended Fourth in his youth and relatives in addition to Mrs. Jones still attend there, and I met them at the show.

Matt Birk 2011

Matt Birk Drawing

Matt Birk Drawing in progress

Center for the Baltimore Ravens: Matt was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the 1998 NFL Draft. He has been to six Pro Bowls. He also started the HIKE Foundation for at risk children.

Potter Baseball Extravaganza Feb.13,2011

Coach Potter and I at the Extravaganza

Bardsley Sports Art set up at ISA

Jacob on the ISA turf in a players clinic

On Feb. 13,2011 Baseball Writer and Coach Jeff Potter held a Baseball Extravaganza at the Indoor Sports Arena of Stevensville. The day included clinics for players and coaches. Coach Potter did a book signing. Guest speakers included a running trainer, the head of an umpires association, and a former Orioles pitcher. Player clinics were run by Coach Potter, The 2011 Potter Tour players and coaches, The Orioles Advocates 60+ Team, and myself and fellow coaches from Kent Island Youth Baseball and Softball Club.

Coach Potter also asked me to be an exhibitor with my baseball drawings. Pictured above is the presentation wall that I built and table that I set up. The computer had a slide show of my other drawings and photos of athletes signing my drawings. This was the first public showing for Bardsley Sports Art, and I had a great day! A special thanks to Coach Potter for including me!!!!

www.potterbaseball.com

Steve Largent and Jim Zorn 2011

Steve Largent and Jim Zorn Drawing (autographed and inscribed by Steve)

Drawing in progress while the cat stays warm under the drawing light!

Jim Zorn is a retired NFL quarterback, and current quarterback coach: A left handed thrower, Jim was considered one of the most prolific scrambling quarterbacks of his time. He joined the expansion Seattle Seahawks in 1976 and played the first seven and a half seasons of his career there. That same year, he was named the AFC rookie of the year. He retired from playing in 1987. He spent two years as the head coach for the Washington Redskins, and this past season was Joe Flaccos' quarterback coach with the Baltimore Ravens.

Steve Largent is a retired NFL wide receiver: Steve was drafted in the 1976 NFL Draft by the Houston Oilers. After four pre season games, they were going to cut him, but got an eighth round draft pick for him from the expansion Seattle Seahawks. OOOPS! Steve spent 13 seasons with them, and when he retired, he had been to seven Pro Bowls. He also held the NFL record for most receptions (819), most receiving yards (13,089), most receiving touchdowns (100), and had the then current streak of 177 consecutive games with a reception. Steve was a U.S. Congressmen from 1994-2002, and was elected to the NFL Hall of Fame in 1995.

In 2008, NFL Films voted Largent and Zorn as the number ten pass catch combination of all time. They were also the first two players inducted into the Seahawks Ring of Honor.

My father is friends with someone who works on Capital Hill with Steve Largent, and had him autograph and put his Hall of Fame inscription on my drawing.

Semyon Varlamov 2011

Semyon Varlamov Drawing

Semyon drawing just started

Joshua with Semyon at Six Flags

Washington Capitals Goaltender: Semyon is Russian born. The Caps drafted him in the 2006 NHL Draft.

When Joshua and I went to the Caps pre season party at Six Flags before last years season, we got to meet Semyon. At that time he was number 40, as pictured. This year he changed his number to one.

Washington Capitals practice at Kettler Ice Complex Jan. 25,2011

Autographed Mike Green Drawing

Mike with my drawing

Mike signing my drawing

Mike signing an autograph for Jacob

Autographed Matt Hendricks Drawing

Matt with my drawing

Matt signing my drawing

On Jan. 25,2011 Joshua and Jacob had a day off from school. We went to the Washington Capitals training facility, Kettler Ice Complex. At the end of practice, the boys were able to get autographs from many of the Caps. I was able to get these two drawings signed.

Dhani Jones 2011

Dhani Jones Drawing

Dhani Jones Drawing in progress

Cincinnati Bengals Linebacker: Dhani was born in San Diego California, but spent most of his youth in Potomac Maryland. He played his college ball for the University of Michigan when they won the National Championship in 1997. He played with Charles Woodson who won the Heisman Trophy, the first for a primarily defensive player. Dhani was drafted by the New York Giants in the 2000 NFL Draft.In 2007 he was a starter for the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl XXXIX. He played briefly for the New Orleans Saints before signing with the Bengals.

My Mom goes to church with Dhani's Mom in Bethesda. She speaks of him frequently and his bow tie business.

Mike "Mad Dog" Curtis 2011

Autographed Mike Curtis Drawing

Mad Dog and I

Mad Dog signing my drawing (notice the Super Bowl ring)

Baltimore Colts Linebacker: Mike "Mad Dog" Curtis was considered the meanest player of his era. Mike was drafted by the Colts in the 1965 NFL Draft (the year I was born). In 1970 sportswriters voted Mike as the NFL Defensive player of the year. That year the Colts won Super Bowl V against the Cowboys. Mike played in four Pro Bowls, was drafted by the Seattle Sea hawks in the 1976 expansion draft, then retired in 1978 with the Washington Redskins.

In 1982, Four years after Mike's retirement, Ben Roethlisberger was born. In this drawing, Mike is sacking Ben. As a Ravens fan, nothing would be better than seeing Mike take off the head of "Big Ben". This is my version of fantasy football!

On Saturday night Ben and the Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Ravens to eliminate them from the playoffs AGAIN! On Monday night, Jan.17, I went to the Great Moments shop in Timonium for the Mad Dog signing. I told Mike that this was my version of fantasy football, and his response was, "I never played the pass, I would have never gotten to him."

Matt Hendricks 2010

Matt Hendricks Drawing

Matt Hendricks drawing in progress while the Caps celebrate a 3-1 victory over the Penguins in the Winter Classic! (New Years Day)

Washington Capitals Center Forward: Matt was drafted out of High School in the 2000 NHL Draft. This is his first year as a Capital. In this drawing, Matt is pounding on Sidney Crosby of the hated Pittsburgh Penguins. I doubt Sidney would ever fight Matt since he is a WUSS and hides behind his enforcers, but I am a Caps fan and an artist. That means not only can I dream, but I can turn it into a picture! Fantasy Hockey right!

Josh Wilson 2010

Josh Wilson Double Autographed Drawing

Josh signing my drawing

Josh and Josh!

Josh Wilson drawing in progress

Baltimore Ravens Cornerback: Josh played his college ball as a University of Maryland Terrapin. He was drafted in the NFL 2007 Draft by the Seattle Seahawks. In 2010 in an effort to strengthen its secondary, the Ravens traded for Josh. On Dec. 13,2010 the Ravens went into overtime against the Houston Texans. Josh intercepted Quarterback Matt Schaub and ran 12 yards for a touchdown to win the game.

On Dec. 29,2010 Joshua and I went to Great Moments in White Marsh for the autograph signing. Josh loved the drawing, and got a kick out of signing it twice with both his Terp, and Raven jersey number.

Michael Vick 2010

Michael Vick Drawing

Michael Vick Drawing in progress

Philadelphia Eagles Starting Quarterback: As I wrote in the Darrell Green post, my Pop and I went to the Monday Night Football game on Nov.15,2010 when the Washington Redskins hosted the Philadelphia Eagles. It was pouring raining, and Pop and I only stayed for the first half. In that half, Mike was the first Quarterback ever to throw for 3 touchdowns, and rush for 2 more in a first half. By games end, Mike was the first Quarterback ever to throw for over 300 yards, and rush for over 50 in a single game. His final numbers were 333 yards passing with 4 touchdowns, and 80 yards rushing with 2 touchdowns. The Eagles won 59-28.

Three days ago, the Eagles were losing to the New York Giants by 21 points with 7 minutes left in the game. Mike had not played great in the first three quarters, but put together a comeback that had the game tied with 2 minutes to play. DeSean Jackson ran a punt back for a touchdown as time expired and the Eagles won.

My opinions of Mike Vick are based purely on his athletic ability on the football field. He is amazing!