BOSTON - A Norman Rockwell painting of Boston Red Sox players that is estimated to sell for up to $30 million this month was shown off at Fenway Park Monday with two of the men depicted in the work on hand to reminisce about its creation.
The painting, "The Rookie (Red Sox Locker Room)," appeared on the cover of the March 2, 1957, issue of the Saturday Evening Post. Christie's in New York is offering it May 22 with a pre-sale estimate of $20 million to $30 million.
The painting shows Hall of Famer Ted Williams, pitcher Frank Sullivan, right fielder Jackie Jensen, catcher Sammy White, and second baseman Billy Goodman. The seasoned, confident players are seen facing an awkward newcomer arriving in the locker room for spring training -- dressed in a crumpled suit and a battered bowler hat while also clutching a suitcase, baseball bat and gloves.
On Monday, Sullivan and Rockwell's model for the rookie -- Sherman Safford -- got to see the painting at Fenway.
Sullivan said he and some of his teammates didn't know who Rockwell was when they were asked to pose for him in Stockbridge.
"We were just ball players," he said. "We were just doing what we were told to do . and then to have it go like it has and become something of value as they claim it's gonna be, it's just unbelievable."
