Card Statistics
Bob Elliott is presented in Helmar’s T4 series with the Boston Nationals in a relaxed standing pose, facing the viewer while holding three bats together across his chest. The cream Braves uniform, blue cap and undersleeves, red-and-blue trim, and Indian-head shoulder patch establish the Boston identity clearly, while Elliott’s upright posture and slight smile give the image the character of an informal pregame portrait. The cluster of bats becomes the dominant visual element, crossing diagonally in front of the figure and emphasizing Elliott primarily as a hitter rather than as the third baseman for whom he was also well known.
The original artwork was painted by Natalia Valiukavich in watercolor. This composition depends on repetition more than movement: the three bats create a set of closely spaced diagonals, while the vertical figure provides a stable counterweight beneath them. Valiukavich keeps Elliott’s uniform comparatively light, then uses the blue sleeves, cap, belt, and red trim to articulate the body without overmodeling it. The bats are given slightly different values and edge treatments so they remain separate rather than merging into a single shape. Behind Elliott, the field and distant tree line are reduced to soft green and gray-green washes, allowing the figure and bats to remain sharply legible. The result is closer to a formal player study than an action scene, and it shows how watercolor can create visual interest through rhythm, edge control, and repeated form.
Robert Irving “Bob” Elliott became one of the National League’s best all-around third basemen during the 1940s and early 1950s. After establishing himself with Pittsburgh, he joined the Boston Braves in 1947 and immediately became one of the club’s most important offensive players. Elliott combined power, patience, and run production with strong defensive play at third base, making him a central figure on the Braves as the franchise moved toward contention.
Elliott won the National League Most Valuable Player Award in 1947 after hitting .317 with 22 home runs and 113 runs batted in. The following season he helped Boston win the National League pennant and reach the World Series. Elliott was selected to seven All-Star teams and finished his fifteen-season major-league career with 2,061 hits, 170 home runs, 1,195 runs batted in, and a .289 batting average. His combination of offense and durability made him one of the leading third basemen of his generation.
Numbered #78, the Elliott card presents one of Boston’s most accomplished postwar players in a quiet, almost studio-like ballpark portrait. The three crossed bats, upright pose, cream Braves uniform, and softly washed landscape give card #78 a distinctive character within the T4 series. Elliott’s 1947 National League MVP Award, seven All-Star selections, 2,061 career hits, and central role on Boston’s 1948 pennant-winning club give him substantial historical and collector interest.
Original watercolor artwork by Natalia Valiukavich.
- Description: Three bats on shoulder
- Team: Boston Braves
- Population (# Sold): 10
- First Date Sold: 2024-05-22
- Latest Date Sold: 2026-06-16
- Card Status: Active
- # Sold in past year: 5
- Highest Auction: $ 18.00
- Average Auction Result: $ 11.25
Popularity Rankings
Visit these teammates on the Boston Braves in the Helmar T4 series
Click the Card # link to go to Card Info, Click the Player Name link to go the the Player Biography
