Card Statistics
Helmar’s T3 series continues with Chief Bender, shown with the Philadelphia Athletics in the follow-through of his pitching motion. Bender’s body moves forward over his planted leg, glove extended to the side as he turns his attention toward the plate. His pale Athletics uniform and striped cap stand clearly against the open green field and softly atmospheric horizon, giving the composition a restrained but commanding presence. The full-length pose and uncluttered background suit the stately proportions of the T3 format particularly well.
The original artwork was painted by Natalia Valiukavich in watercolor. Her treatment of Bender’s uniform relies on transparent cream and gray washes, with darker accents defining the belt, stockings, shoes, glove, and the large Athletics emblem across the chest. The face and hands are handled with warmer, concentrated color, while the background is kept deliberately soft and atmospheric. The result is a luminous image in which the figure remains dominant without sacrificing the handmade quality of the watercolor medium.
Charles Albert “Chief” Bender was one of the outstanding pitchers of the Deadball Era and a central figure in Connie Mack’s Philadelphia Athletics dynasty. He won 212 major-league games and compiled a career 2.46 earned-run average, combining excellent control with a formidable assortment of pitches. Bender helped Philadelphia win American League pennants in 1905, 1910, 1911, 1913, and 1914 and was a key contributor to the Athletics’ World Series championships of 1910, 1911, and 1913. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1953.
Numbered #22, the Bender card adds another major piece to the unusually strong Philadelphia Athletics grouping within the T3 series. Alongside Frank Baker, Eddie Collins, Jack Barry, Eddie Plank, and Jack Coombs, Bender allows collectors to assemble an increasingly detailed portrait of Connie Mack’s first great dynasty. His Hall of Fame stature also makes the card an important individual target apart from its value within an Athletics team run. (Helmar Brewing Co.)
Produced in Helmar’s distinctive handcrafted tradition, the card combines original watercolor artwork, one of the era’s premier pitchers, and a deliberately vintage presentation inspired by the grand-format baseball cards of the tobacco era.
Original watercolor artwork by Natalia Valiukavich.
- Description: Throwing follow through
- Team: Philadelphia Athletics
- Population (# Sold): 20
- First Date Sold: 2019-11-12
- Latest Date Sold: 2026-04-14
- Card Status: Retired
- # Sold in past year: 2
- Highest Auction: $ 57.00
- Average Auction Result: $ 28.28
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Visit these teammates on the Philadelphia Athletics in the T3-Helmar series
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