A Yankee Stadium question...

[Frozen in Time]

Originally Posted by GKreindler

Hey everyone,

Hope y'all are keeping warm in these last days of winter. Lord knows NY is still a frozen prison.

Anywho, I'm just about done with this painting:



However, I'm having an issue that's bugging the crap out of me. In the photo I'm using for reference, I can't seem to locate where the rightfield foul-line is. The same goes for that photo's twin (which often accompanies it). Check it:



So, my question to you old timers (excuse the expression) involves the old Yankee Stadium (or really anyone from that period). What I wonder is, before the games, were the foul-lines painted in fairly close to the start-time? I just keep finding myself wondering if these shots were taken before they were painted in for the game.

They're definitely some fans in the stands and all, so I would imagine that it's not too far off from the start-time. And the light seems to be typical for around 1:00 or so in April. I would imagine that the contest started at around 2:30, as I have a few shots of Whitey Ford throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at around 2:25. With that in mind, there's about and hour and change of room for pregame stuff. And, it originates from Mantle's debut game on April 17 of '51, so I would imagine that those lines would be especially bright and white on that day.

Soooooo, I'm not too sure why I don't see them. Is it possible that I've been looking at it too long? Are they right in front of my face?

Any thoughts or help on this stupid minutia would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Graig

Graig,

Not sure about the line but you have certainly captured the essence of Mickey in his first major league game. As I mentioned in our last conversation, I have the Type 1 INS photo composite of both images (printed from the original negatives) and although crystal clear, the natural lighting (or lack of) on Mickey's face in the print makes it difficult to fully appreciate the youthful characteristics that defined his rookie season persona.

Not the case with your painting, which really makes one feel he is seeing a baby faced Mickey as he was at the start of the 1951 season. A really remarkable transformation to the canvas that actually gives me goose bumps!!! Unless I find something better from '51 when I finally go through my entire photo collection, you may have to do this one again.

All my best.

Cheers,

Craig