Our National Past Time (The Ball Player), 1889, by Douglas Tilden as seen in Golden Gate Park this morning, complete with hula grass skirt and lei.
A more dignified view here and here.
Click to expand:
“Presented to the Golden Gate Park By a Friend of the Sculptor As a Tribute to His Energy, Industry and Ability”
Tags: 808 state, aloha, ball player, ball thrower, ballplayer, baseball, Douglas Tilden, golden gate park, grass skirt, hawaii, hula, lei, our national past time, our national pastime, player, statue, thrower
The San Francisco Art Commission produced A Survey of Art Work in the City and County of SAN FRANCISCO, published by the Office of Mayor Joseph L. Alioto in 1975 as a San Francisco Bicentennial project. It clearly states:
BALL THROWER
Medium, Size and Description: Bronze. A life sized figure of a mustachioed baseball player of the 1880′s throwing a ball.
Artist: Douglas Tilden.
Acquisition: Created in 1889. It was acquired in 1892 as a gift of James D. Phelan. The inscription states “Presented by a close friend of the sculptor as a tribute to his energy, industry and ability.”
Location: South side of main road opposite road leading to Conservatory
So noted.
Not so sure about the “close” friend part.