If you aren’t aware, I am privileged to be the official artist of the National Baseball Hall of Fame since 2017. What does this mean? To celebrate the best players in baseball, I’m commissioned annually to create a painting commemorating the entire Induction class, which is a truly amazing experience! During Induction weekend, I set up a pop-up gallery inside the museum and at the Induction site to capture the experience fully.

So how does it all go down? Each July the inductees are announced publicly, but select individuals are made aware in advance. I found out who would be inducted in January earlier this year so that I could prepare the concept for my painting. The actual painting however is constructed on-site, and often with an audience. No matter if you're a HOF Inductee, current MLB ballplayer, coach, or fan, watching the painting come to life is appreciated by everyone.

It’s such an honor to be a part of this very special baseball tradition. Most days I can’t believe this is real life and that I get to paint professional athletes and entertainers for a living. I've painted and been a part of the interviews of sports legends I admire and respect including baseball Hall of Famers Ken Griffey Jr, Mariano Rivera, Pedro Martinez and so many more. View some of the interviews here.

I’m proof that hard work and believing in your dream pay off. Before being named the official artist of the National Baseball Hall of Fame, my career hit a home run in 2015 when the New York Yankees commissioned me to create an original piece as a retirement gift for Derek Jeter. "The Captain" was presented to him at Yankee Stadium. The following year, it was David Ortiz's turn for a retirement gift. The original painting was presented to Ortiz by Mariano Rivera during the Red Sox vs Yankees pregame ceremony on September 29^th. I’m certain these two career highlights led to my opportunity as the official artist of the National Baseball Hall of Fame. View the full timeline of my career in sports art on the website.

Who will be the next MLB players inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame? Find out this July 24^th at Clark Sports Center. I look forward to capturing their time in the spotlight.

If you plan to visit Cooperstown, look for my art displayed in the Hall of Fame Museum’s retail store year-round and bring home a piece of sports history.