Imagine a book that combines the artistry of a master painter with the insights of a baseball legend. The All-Time Dodgers Art Book is more than just a collection of images and captions — it’s a journey through the history of one of baseball’s most iconic franchises, brought to life through stunning artwork and insightful commentary.
Featuring content from every stage in franchise history — from the Brooklyn days at Ebbets Field to the modern era at Chavez Ravine — this book offers a comprehensive look at the team’s greatest moments and players. It also has an inspiring forward from Dodger great Orel Hershiser that sets the stage for the accompanying visuals and text.
Choosing the Most Iconic Players and Moments in Team History
Ned Colletti and Dave Hobrecht graciously spent part of their Friday morning discussing the creation of The All-Time Dodgers Art Book and sharing their fondest memories of its development. Their insights and personal stories offered a deeper appreciation for this exceptional tribute to Dodgers history. Chatting with Colletti in real time and hearing some of his anecdotes were among my greatest moments as a baseball fan.
Colletti’s perspective as the team’s general manager from 2006 to 2014 was instrumental in choosing the players featured in the book. His extensive experience with the team provided invaluable insights into the attributes that define Dodger greatness.
Colletti’s selections reflect his deep understanding of what makes a player truly iconic within the club’s legacy. His choices included criteria like years on the team, overall production, postseason accomplishments and community service.
Hobrecht recalled that his original idea was to choose the top nine players in team history — one at each position — and create artwork depicting their character and personality. However, he clarified the thought processes between Colletti and himself that helped transform this book into an instant masterpiece.
“Basically, I just wanted Ned to pick a team one through nine,” Hobrecht said. “But the book kept evolving over the years we worked on it. Ned told me you can’t have a book about the Dodgers without Tommy [Lasorda], Vin [Scully] and Walter Alston in it. And you can’t have a book without the Gibby [Kirk Gibson] home run. Although the goal was to get the book done quickly, we just kept coming up with better ideas.”
Artistic Highlights
Hobrecht’s work is both realistic and stylized, capturing the essence of each player while adding a touch of uniqueness through monochromatic tones. The use of bold contrast and textures creates a sense of energy and excitement, reflecting the passion and intensity of the game. Hobrecht’s ability to convey the unique personalities of each player through old-school charcoal and pastels is particularly impressive.
One of the most striking examples of Hobrecht’s work is his piece titled “Grace.” It features Dodger greats Jackie Robinson, Don Newcombe and Roy Campanella sitting at a table with Martin Luther King, Jr. saying grace before they share a meal.
“Newcombe told Ned about how they broke bread and discussed social issues, segregation and racism,” Hobrecht said. “It’s special for me because the piece ended up on permanent display at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City.”
Inspiring Fans to Recall Their Fondest Memories
Colletti’s commentary is especially valuable in highlighting the connections between different eras of Dodgers history. For example, he discusses how the legacy of players like Robinson and Sandy Koufax has influenced subsequent generations of Dodgers players.
Colletti also provides interesting anecdotes and behind-the-scenes stories that add depth and color to the narrative. His ability to connect the dots between different eras and players helps readers understand the broader context of the franchise’s rich heritage.
More importantly, the book acts as a catalyst for fans to recall some of their fondest memories about the club, even if they don’t appear on the pages. Colletti mentioned that one of the greatest moments he witnessed as the team’s GM was the comeback against the Padres in 2006, when Jeff Kent, J.D. Drew, Russell Martin and Marlon Anderson hit consecutive home runs in the ninth inning to tie the game and eventually win it in the 10th on a solo shot by Nomar Garciaparra.
Colletti also mentioned the Manny Ramirez deal in 2008 as one of his most memorable because it was finalized in the waning moments of the deadline. He noted that while trades often take several months to complete, the Ramirez trade with the Red Sox was orchestrated entirely in less than six hours.
“We got to the very final minutes of the deadline and the Commissioner had to approve any deals with $2 million or more changing hands. Rob Manfred was second in command to Bud Selig, so we all got on a call and went through it in the final seconds. That was it.”
It’s also worth mentioning that Hobrecht believes that the project is never-ending because of the evolving historical cycles.
“This is a live book,” Hobrecht said. “We’re going to have more all-time Dodger greats. We’re going to have more all-time moments to add to this book three to five years later in another version. It’s not finished, and it will never be finished.”
Why You Should Buy The All-Time Dodgers Art Book
If you love the Dodgers or are a baseball fan in general, this book isn’t just another addition to your collection — it’s a treasure trove of Dodgers history that will captivate and inspire. This book stands above similar works because it blends breathtaking visuals with riveting commentary to create a piece that transcends mere fandom.
It’s more than a book. It’s a celebration of the franchise’s storied legacy, meticulously crafted to offer an insider’s view that’s as enlightening as it is exhilarating. The pages brim with exclusive content that brings the team’s journey to life, making it a must-have not just for reading but for relishing time and again.
Unlike the typical volumes that often gather dust on shelves, this gem is designed to be a centerpiece of your memorabilia collection, constantly pulled out to showcase its stunning imagery and rich anecdotes. Every time you open it, you’ll find yourself engrossed in its pages, eager to share its marvels with friends and family.
Where to Order
Let’s not forget the presentation. It arrives in a beautifully laminated gift box, perfectly shrink-wrapped, ensuring that it feels as special as the stories within from the moment you receive it. This is not just a run-of-the-mill book about the Dodgers — it’s a celebration of greatness that deserves a place of honor in every fan’s home.
“People I heard from are stunned by how beautiful everything is,” Colletti said. “When you get it, it’s classy in its delivery and presentation. There’s something special in every piece of artwork that goes with the story of each player. Everyone I talk to is blown away by its beauty, class and unique approach.”
If you’re ready to order a copy for yourself, you can visit these sites:
If you’re interested in a signed copy by Hobrecht, Colletti and Hershiser, you can visit Legends’ Attic in Claremont.