This Helmar “This Great Game” card depicts Steve Dalkowski, the legendary hard-throwing
left-hander whose fastball—and myth—became the stuff of baseball folklore. Wearing the
Baltimore Orioles uniform, Dalkowski is shown in a reflective pose, set against a softly colored
sky that conveys both potential and poignancy. The card’s layout, framed with bright pastels
and the classic Helmar Brewing banner, evokes the feel of 1950s regional issues and early
Topps artistry.

Though Dalkowski never reached the majors, his fabled velocity—rumored to surpass 100
mph—left an indelible mark on the game and inspired generations of baseball storytelling.
This collectible Helmar issue—Card No. 102—captures the spirit of one of the game’s most
enigmatic figures, blending nostalgia and legend through Helmar’s distinctive hand-painted
realism.

Original gouache painting by Sanjay Verma.