Card Statistics
Richie Ashburn is presented in Helmar’s T4 series with Philadelphia in a compact left-handed batting stance, his body leaning slightly forward as he draws the bat close across his shoulder and fixes his attention on the pitcher. The cream Phillies uniform, bright blue-and-red cap, blue undersleeves, and striped stockings create a particularly colorful Philadelphia presentation, while the narrow stance and closely gathered hands emphasize Ashburn’s quick, controlled approach at the plate. Unlike the earlier T4 Ashburn card, which shows him running at full speed, this image concentrates on the patient preparation of one of the era’s finest contact hitters and leadoff men.
The original artwork was painted by Natalia Valiukavich in watercolor. She develops Ashburn’s pale uniform with layered cream, ochre, gray, and muted blue-violet washes, using stronger shadows beneath the arms and through the folds of the trousers to describe the slight forward turn of his body. The bright blue sleeve and cap provide the principal cool accents, while the red brim, piping, and striped stockings introduce small areas of warmth throughout the figure. The long wooden bat creates a forceful diagonal across the upper composition. Behind Ashburn, the grandstand, dugout structures, advertising panels, and scattered crowd are painted in darker, more abbreviated passages, allowing the illuminated player and bright green field to stand forward.
Don Richard “Richie” Ashburn became one of the outstanding leadoff hitters and defensive center fielders of the postwar National League. He joined the Philadelphia Phillies in 1948 and immediately established himself as an exceptional contact hitter with speed, patience, and remarkable ability to reach base. Ashburn possessed little conventional home-run power, but his skill at placing the ball, drawing walks, and using his speed made him a difficult out and an ideal player at the top of the batting order.
Ashburn won National League batting championships in 1955 and 1958, hitting .338 and .350 respectively, and led the league in hits three times, walks four times, and on-base percentage four times. He was selected to six All-Star teams and played a major role on the 1950 “Whiz Kids” Phillies club that captured the National League pennant. Ashburn finished his fifteen-season major-league career with 2,574 hits, a .308 batting average, and a .396 on-base percentage. After retiring as a player, he became a longtime Phillies broadcaster and remained closely identified with the franchise for decades.
Numbered #40, this Ashburn card complements his earlier T4 appearance by presenting him at the plate rather than in full stride on the basepaths. The compact batting stance, tightly gathered hands, bright Philadelphia colors, long diagonal bat, and darkened stadium background give card #40 a distinctly different character while still emphasizing the quickness and concentration that defined Ashburn’s game. His two batting titles, six All-Star selections, 2,574 career hits, and central role on Philadelphia’s 1950 pennant winner make him one of the most important Phillies subjects in the series. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1995.
Original watercolor artwork by Natalia Valiukavich.
- Description: End of swing; blue cap
- Team: Philadelphia Phillies
- Population (# Sold): 16
- First Date Sold: 2022-09-13
- Latest Date Sold: 2026-08-04
- Card Status: Active
- # Sold in past year: 3
- Highest Auction: $ 72.00
- Average Auction Result: $ 28.98
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Visit these teammates on the Philadelphia Phillies in the Helmar T4 series
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