Helmar “This Great Game” Card #33 – Richie Ashburn (Philadelphia Phillies)

In this Helmar “This Great Game” portrait, Richie Ashburn crouches low and ready, glove extended toward the viewer, framed against a bold sunset skyline. The fading reds and oranges melt into the deep purples of dusk, a fitting echo of the energy and determination that defined Ashburn’s play. Wearing the crisp white uniform of the Philadelphia Phillies, the center fielder’s gaze is sharp and focused—a visual testament to the discipline that made him one of baseball’s finest contact hitters and most reliable defenders. The artist captures both athletic poise and quiet confidence, evoking a player whose excellence often spoke softly but endured long after the cheers faded.

Richie Ashburn, born in Tilden, Nebraska, in 1927, became the face of the Philadelphia Phillies during the 1950s. Known for his speed, fielding, and keen batting eye, Ashburn anchored the famed “Whiz Kids” team that captured the National League pennant in 1950. He led the league in batting average twice and hits three times, finishing his 15-year major league career with a .308 average and more than 2,500 hits. In center field, he was renowned for his anticipation and fearless pursuit of fly balls, often crashing into walls or teammates in his relentless defense of the outfield. Beyond his numbers, Ashburn’s enduring legacy came through his connection with fans—both as a player and later as a beloved Phillies broadcaster for more than three decades. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1995, just days before his passing, ensuring his place among the game’s immortals.

Helmar’s “This Great Game” series pays homage to players whose style and spirit elevated the sport. Card No. 33 honors Richie Ashburn—the embodiment of hustle, heart, and Philadelphia pride.

Original gouache painting by Sanjay Verma.