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Pop Fly Pop Shop

132. (SOLD OUT) "World Series 54: The Catch" 7" x 10.5" Art Print

132. (SOLD OUT) "World Series 54: The Catch" 7" x 10.5" Art Print

Regular price $84.00
Regular price Sale price $84.00
Sale Sold out
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In the annals of baseball history, some plays transcend the sport itself, etching their indelible mark on the collective consciousness of fans across generations. One such moment occurred in the 1954 World Series when Willie Mays, the New York Giants' transcendent center fielder, elevated the art of defense to extraordinary heights with his famous catch and an equally remarkable throwback.


It was a crisp autumn day, the kind that carries the weight of destiny. The score was tied, tension enveloping the Polo Grounds like a thick fog. With runners on base, the Cleveland Indians' Vic Wertz connected with the ball, sending it soaring deep into the vast expanse of center field. As the crowd held its breath, Mays took off, his graceful strides devouring the ground beneath him.


Time seemed to stand still as Mays pursued the baseball, his eyes locked on its trajectory. With every heartbeat, he closed the gap, a master of anticipation and instinct. Then, like a mythical creature in flight, Mays leapt towards the heavens, his body seemingly defying the laws of physics. In that suspended moment, the world paused, mesmerized by the sheer audacity of his athleticism. With a sublime elegance, Mays snatched the ball from the air, as if plucking a star from the night sky.


But the magic didn't end there. In an instant, Mays's mind raced ahead, processing the unfolding scenario with a clarity few could comprehend. Aware of the runners tagging up, he unleashed an extraordinary throwback, a missile launched with precision and purpose. The ball cut through the air, a testament to Mays's arm strength and accuracy.


In the midst of this extraordinary play, Mays made calculations that would have perplexed most mortal minds. He assessed the distance, the speed of the runners, and the placement of the bases—all within a split second. His throwback soared with a velocity that defied comprehension, effortlessly finding its target and preventing the advancement of the opposing team.


The crowd erupted in a crescendo of awe, their voices blending into a symphony of adulation. Mays's catch and throwback represented the pinnacle of baseball brilliance—a fusion of artistry, athleticism, and unparalleled baseball IQ. It was a masterclass in spatial awareness, showcasing Mays's ability to perform incredible feats of athleticism while simultaneously making split-second strategic decisions.


Decades have passed since that fateful day, yet Mays's catch and throwback remain etched in our memories, an everlasting monument to the power of human achievement. They serve as a reminder that in the realm of sports, greatness isn't limited to physical prowess alone. It requires the ability to perceive the game on a different plane, to make lightning-fast calculations and execute them flawlessly.
So, as we pay tribute to Willie Mays and his iconic catch from the 1954 World Series, let us also celebrate his exceptional throwback—an integral part of the play that exemplified his unparalleled baseball genius. Let us remember that in the realm of sports, there are moments that transcend time and space, forever reminding us why we love this game.

This 7 x 10.5" art print will be available for purchase between now and 6/25/23, after which it is retired forever. The artwork is estimated to ship between 40-60 days after the purchase window closes. This is not a guaranteed timeline, only an estimate.

 

Our art prints (not a comic book) is printed on double-thick card stock & come packaged in all the nostalgia you can ask for. The art print is a pre-order item for sale for one week only and then the print is retired and the print run is locked. 

 

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A new piece of art each week -- a sports-themed 7” x 10.5” double-thick cardstock art print of an original artist-made piece of art. That's right, this isn't a comic book, it's just one piece of fun sports-themed nostalgia at a time. There are 20 different art prints released in a season (1 per week) and once they're gone… they're gone! From then on they'll only be available at higher cost on the secondary market.

*Tariff fee is applied during checkout on shipping cost for international orders.

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“Every time I look at these prints, I think of my father. If artists can channel their adversity into incredible works of art that we get to enjoy, then we should challenge ourselves to turn our struggles into something that can benefit others.”

 - Travis

2022 Hall of Fame Weekend

Friday's PLAY Ball fundraiser marked the start of the 2022 Hall of Fame Weekend in Cooperstown!

Meet the Artist

Daniel is the artist that designs all of our Pop Fly Pop Shop prints. Every piece is made with purposeful intentionality and thoughtful effort. Daniel is a storyteller, and during every drop, he is able to showcase the player’s journey and important moments from their career. The art prints do not simply focus on the player's image but about the entire path that has led them to the big leagues.