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Al Bridwell is presented in Helmar’s T3 series with the Boston Nationals in a composed batting pose, the bat held across his shoulders as he turns his head toward the pitcher. The dark blue uniform, pale undersleeves, blue-and-white stockings, and light cap give the figure a strikingly different appearance from the cream-colored uniforms seen on many cards in the series. The pose is balanced and compact, with Bridwell’s crossed legs and turned torso creating a graceful sense of movement without showing a full swing.

The original artwork was painted by Natalia Valiukavich in watercolor. She builds the deep blue uniform from layered washes, using lighter blue highlights and darker folds to give the fabric volume. The pale sleeves, stockings, and belt break up the darker mass of the figure, while the warm brown bat provides a contrasting horizontal accent. The green field and distant skyline are kept simple beneath a softly clouded gray-blue sky, allowing the strong blue figure to dominate the composition.

Albert Henry “Al” Bridwell was a shortstop whose major-league career spanned the first two decades of the twentieth century. He played for Boston, the New York Giants, and other clubs, and was known as a steady infielder and capable left-handed hitter. Bridwell became particularly associated with John McGraw’s Giants, where he served as the club’s regular shortstop during several strong seasons at the end of the Deadball Era.

Bridwell is also permanently connected to one of the most famous plays in baseball history. On September 23, 1908, he delivered what appeared to be the game-winning hit for the Giants against Chicago, but Fred Merkle failed to touch second base before the field was overrun by spectators. The resulting appeal and ruling produced the celebrated “Merkle’s Boner” controversy, and the game was later replayed with the National League pennant at stake.

Numbered #150, the Bridwell card closes this portion of the T3 checklist with a player whose career is remembered both for solid everyday play and for his accidental role in one of baseball’s most enduring historical episodes. The dark Boston uniform and quiet batting stance also give the card a distinctive visual character within the series.

Original watercolor artwork by Natalia Valiukavich.

• Description: Swing follow through; choking up
• Team: Boston Rustlers
• Population (# Sold): 19
• First Date Sold: 2021-12-14
• Latest Date Sold: 2026-07-21
• Card Status: Active
• # Sold in past year: 4
• Highest Auction: $ 39.00
• Average Auction Result: $ 16.08

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