Arthur Rickerby at Madelyn Jordon Fine Art, New York, until Sep 27

Exhibition Description:

Madelyn Jordon Fine Art presents a solo exhibition of 35 never before seen vintage black and white iconic sports photographs by the esteemed former LIFE photographer artist Arthur Rickerby, entitled "61*: Mantle and Maris Chase the Babe" .

Baseball is the most popular sport in the United States, and has been affectionately referred to as a "national pastime" since the 19th century. For those who love suspenseful competition, baseball, or photography, this exhibition is not to be missed.

Description:

Image: Arthur Rickerby, "Roger Maris #9 of the New York Yankees being congratulated by teammate Mickey Mantle #7 after home run during a MLB game in 1961", silver gelatin print, 1961, 11 x 14", stamped "photo by A.B. Rickerby"

While Arthur Rickerby only lived to the age of 51, he had an accomplished career, covering a wide range of assignments - Olympics in Berlin, signing of the World War II Peace Agreement on board the U.S.S. Missouri, Jimmy Hoffa trial, and John F. Kennedy's White House and ill-fated day in Dallas. Rickerby was a former Acme Photos (eventually United Press International) and LIFE magazine photographer, known for capturing the world through his lens and is perhaps best remembered for his mastery of sports photography.

Rickerby's mission for this event was to cover the most thrilling home run chase in baseball history, and one that defined the 1961 major-league baseball season, involving Yankee veteran Mickey Mantle and the talented newcomer, Roger Maris. These two men were dubbed by sportswriters as the M&M Boys, as they vied against each other to break Babe Ruth's single season home run record of 61. In addition to this drama, Maris hit his 61st home run in the final game of the season, the record books reflect Maris' victory as "61*" since he broke Ruth's record, only in the context of a newly expanded season.

Rickerby's skillfully captured not only public moments, but intimate ones - Mantle and Maris up-at-bat with the crowd glued to the action, pensive moments in the dugout, and celebration in the locker room, including those of other 1961 Yankee notables, such as Yogi Berra, Elston Howard, and Ralph Houk. It is often thought that the 1961 Yankees were one of the most successful teams in baseball history.

Full Contact Details:

Madelyn Jordon Fine Art
14 Chase Road, Scarsdale, NY 10583
914-723-8738
email: info (at) madelynjordonfineart.com