This striking Helmar art card portrays Whitey Ford, the masterful left-hander who defined consistency and poise on the mound for the New York Yankees throughout the 1950s and early 1960s. The artwork shows Ford middelivery, his body in fluid motion, eyes fixed on his unseen target. Behind him, a backdrop of deep reds, blues, and golden tones creates a warm yet powerful contrast—an homage to the sunset-lit diamonds of baseball’s golden age. The crisp pinstripes, subtle folds of fabric, and painterly shading capture the calm command that made Ford a legend. The composition balances energy and stillness, perfectly evoking the pitcher’s reputation for cool precision under pressure.

Edward Charles “Whitey” Ford, nicknamed “The Chairman of the Board,” spent his entire 16-year career with the Yankees. A ten-time All-Star and six-time World Series champion, Ford’s career 2.75 ERA stands as one of the best in franchise history. His 236 wins remain a Yankee record, a testament to both skill and durability. Known for his pinpoint control and mastery of tempo, Ford excelled at keeping hitters off balance, whether with his famed changeup or subtle variations in motion. In 1961, he captured the Cy Young Award and World Series MVP honors while leading New York’s pitching staff during one of the club’s most dominant eras.

Helmar’s ‘This Great Game’ series celebrates baseball’s icons through handcrafted art that revives the charm of prewar gum cards. Printed on heavy, textured stock and delicately aged for period authenticity, each card is both a collectible and a miniature portrait of the game’s enduring artistry. Card No. 9 immortalizes Whitey Ford—a pitcher of finesse and quiet authority whose legacy remains inseparable from the storied history of Yankee Stadium.

Original gouache painting by Sanjay Verma.