150th Anniversary Williams vs. Amherst Print Chosen09:02AM / Tuesday, April 14, 2009
PITTSFIELD, Mass. – Mayor James M. Ruberto announced that Pittsfield artist Ralph Frisina’s art work has been selected to be the official print for the 150th Anniversary Williams vs. Amherst game on May 3, 2009. He was the winner of a design contest to create a memorable poster image to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the first ever intercollegiate baseball game, which was held in Pittsfield.
Six other artists received honorable mention for their poster designs, which will be displayed in Pittsfield City Hall. Jurors included Mayor Ruberto and Mary Rentz, the founder of Art Of The Game, a two year community public arts project that celebrated Pittsfield’s unique place in baseball history.
Mr. Frisina is the Chief Creative Officer of Winstanley Associates in Lenox, where his work has received over 90 design awards in his twenty years with the company. Previously he worked for Colopy Dale studios in Pittsburgh serving clients such as Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein. His winning print will be featured on the cover of the commemorative program, made into posters, and will have a permanent home at the College Baseball Hall of Fame.
Mary Rentz, co-chair of the Art of the Game, commented, “I was very excited about the piece that was chosen; the depiction of the 19th century baseball player really captures Pittsfield as the birthplace of college baseball and baseball’s Garden of Eden. This art does it all!”
The 150th Anniversary Game weekend is scheduled for May 2 & 3, 2009 at historic Wahconah Ballpark in Pittsfield. On Saturday, May 2, the Dan Duquette Sports Academy will host free (is that correct?) College Baseball Hall of Fame baseball clinics at 2 pm for boys and girls ages 8-14. All Leagues including Little League, Cal Ripken, and Babe Ruth are welcome to attend.
On Sunday, May 3rd at 11 am a vintage baseball game recreating the original 1859 game will be played between alumni of Williams and Amherst. At 1:05pm the current Williams and Amherst College teams will play again, as they did 150 years ago in Pittsfield. The pre-game ceremonies begin at 12:45pm, recognizing Pittsfield as the Birthplace of College Baseball, commemorating the first game, and recognizing Alumni and community members. The game will be covered by ESPNU.
All tickets are just $5, Williams and Amherst students will have free admission. Tickets can be purchased over the phone at the American Defenders office at 603-883-2255. For more information on the Defenders visit americandefenders.us. |
