This majestic entry from the Helmar T3 series honors one of the most powerful hitters
in Negro Leagues history, first baseman Buck Leonard of the Homestead Grays.
Artist Natali Valiukevich’s gouache painting captures Leonard in a classic batting pose,
the strength in his arms balanced by the calm focus of his expression. The soft,
sunlit landscape and subtle sky tones lend a painterly serenity to the composition,
echoing the dignity and poise that characterized Leonard’s career.

Leonard was the anchor of the Homestead Grays dynasty, teaming with Josh Gibson to
form one of the most feared duos in baseball history. A model of consistency, he
batted over .300 for fifteen consecutive seasons and was a ten-time All-Star in the
Negro National League. His leadership and steady excellence made him a pillar of
the league during its golden years. Leonard was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame
in 1972, recognized as one of the game’s greatest first basemen.

Original watercolor painting by Natali Valiukevich.