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In this episode of We Love Our Team, Jack Greiner and Randy Freking welcome artist and baseball historian Gary Cierdkowski. They discuss Gary's journey into baseball design, his creation of the Infinite Baseball Card Set, and his passion for illustrating obscure baseball players. The conversation also delves into the life of Larry McPhail, a pivotal figure in baseball history, and Gary's personal experiences as a Reds fan. Additionally, they explore Gary's favorite baseball movies, highlighting the intersection of art and sports.

takeaways

• Gary Cierdkowski has been an artist since childhood.
• He became an art director at a young age while working on Oriole Park.
• The Infinite Baseball Card Set was inspired by his father and grandfather.
• Gary illustrates obscure baseball players to share their unique stories.
• Dick Sipick was the eighth deaf player in Major League Baseball.
• Ted Kluszewski's wife helped him overcome a batting slump using film.
• Larry McPhail revolutionized baseball marketing and fan engagement.
• Gary's favorite baseball movie is 'The Bad News Bears'.
• He prefers illustrating older players over current stars.
• Gary's latest illustration was of Van Lengo Mungo, a pitcher for the Brooklyn Dodgers.

Sound Bites

• "I opened my studio a decade ago."
• "He was just a giant guy."
• "I can't believe that."

Sponsored by Moerlein Lager House, host of the March 26, 2025 Opening Day Eve Party benefitting the Reds Community Fund!