| The Dugout (Bottom of the Ninth) | |
|---|---|
_--_Norman_Rockwell%2c_1948.jpg) | |
| Artist | Norman Rockwell |
| Year | 1948 |
| Medium | Oil on canvas |
| Location | Norman Rockwell Museum |
The Dugout (Bottom of the Ninth) is a 1948 painting by American artistNorman Rockwell, painted for the September 4, 1948, cover ofThe Saturday Evening Post magazine. The painting depicts theChicago Cubs bench dejected during a game against theBoston Braves atBraves Field.
The painting became one of Rockwell's most iconic baseball-themed works and came to symbolize the Cubs' "lovable loser" image, throughout.[1]
The painting features four members of the1948 Chicago Cubs. From left to right:
Amongst the subjects in the crowd are two women with connection to personnel of the1948 Boston Braves: Helen Fitzsimmons, daughter of Braves' coachFreddie Fitzsimmons, and Terese Prendergast, wife of Braves' pitcherJim Prendergast.[2]
Before adoubleheader atBraves Field between theBoston Braves and theChicago Cubs on May 23, 1948, Rockwell approached both teams with the intention of creating a portrait of a visiting team's dejection in contrast elation of hometown fans.[3]
A number of Cubs players and managerCharlie Grimm agreed to pose in the dugout to be photographed. As spectators filled the stands, Rockwell handpicked a number of them and instructed them to mimic expressions of delight or scorn. Additionally, abatboy for the Braves, Frank McNulty,[2] had to be convinced to pose in a Cubs jersey in front of the dugout.[3] Rockwell paid McNulty $5 ($65.00 in 2024).[2]
The Cubs went on to lose both games of the doubleheader.[4][5]