Artwork > 'Old Time' Sports, All Sculptures, Americana, Townfolk > Towne Ball, circa 1890
Towne Ball, circa 1890
Specifications:
23″H x 25″W x 15″D
Price:
$3,600
Scott’s Piece Description
This towne boy, barefoot and in overalls, pauses for a tintype (1890’s). Perhaps he’ll go on to play for the Oswego Starchboxes or the Chicago Orphans (now the Chicago Cubs).
Interestingly, Lewis and Clark’s return journey home from the Pacific Ocean included playing a game of “Base” (a form of Baseball) with the Nez Perce Indians? Interestingly, Alexander Joy Cartwright, Jr., who some consider the “Father of Baseball”, made an ‘expedition’ out west (in 1849) to teach the game of Base Ball across the new continent….from New York, to California, and even to Hawaii? Ponder the truth of famed Apache warrior, Geronimo, while a prisoner at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, engaging in a game of baseball.
Image Gallery
Curator Review
A striking companion to Scott Rogers’ group sculpture Base Ball, Circa 1890, this solo figure—Towne Ball, Circa 1890—extracts one young player from the lineup and places him front and center, bat in hand, standing in confident readiness. His pose is strong and grounded, echoing the team unity of the larger piece while allowing for deeper focus on individual spirit and character.
The youthful figure, likely modeled after one of the Indiana glass factory workers that inspired the original scene, is sculpted with rugged clothing and a determined expression. Rogers preserves the expressive textures that define his style—creased sleeves, tousled hair, and scuffed shoes all reflect the working-class roots and everyday resilience of these small-town athletes.
What was once a shared moment of camaraderie is now transformed into a personal emblem of grit and aspiration. The gear on the ground beneath him further suggests a pause between plays, inviting us into the rhythm of the game—and of youth itself. This sculpture honors not just the game of baseball, but the spirit of small-town America in the 1890s.
Get In Touch
We’ll confirm if this sculpture is available now or reserve your place in the next casting (4–5 months).
Phone: 1.435.469.1646
Email: hello@scottrogerssculpture.com
After you reach out, your inquiry is reviewed personally and responded to with care. We’re happy to provide information on available works, commissions, provenance, or questions related to existing pieces. You may also choose to receive occasional updates about new sculptures, exhibitions, and projects, shared thoughtfully and infrequently by subscribing here.