The Arches of Tradition by Jerome T. White

by Kani Ayubu
Historic Cleveland League Park Stadium

Cleveland's League Park is a historic baseball stadium originally opened in 1891 at the corner of Lexington Avenue and East 66th Street in the Hough Neighborhood. It was called home by many professional baseball teams including the Cleveland Buckeyes, a Negro American League team. Players such as Babe Ruth, Satchel Paige, Ty Cobb, Lou Gehrig and Joe DiMaggio have all appeared in the facility and it was also the site of the 1920 World Series, the first Grand Slam in World Series history, the first unassisted triple play in World Series history and Bob Feller's first game.

The stadium is currently in the process of being renovated and restored by the city and Cleveland's own Jerome White was selected by the City of Cleveland, Councilman T.J. Dow, and the League Park Heritage Committee to adorn the facility with some mural artwork. 

Arches of Tradition by Jerome T. White at Cleveland's Historic League Park

Jerome White created the mural "The Arches of Tradition" on the original wall of the stadium for the facility. The nine arches in the mural symbolize the nine innings of a baseball game. Each image is 8 feet tall and 4 feet wide and primarily depicts a sports legend from Cleveland Indians or League Park history. Included are paintings of Satchel Paige, Babe Ruth, Elmer Smith, Bill Wamby, Quincy Trouppe, Tris Speaker, Bob Feller, Cy Young and the artist Jerome White and his son.

The Cleveland Museum of Art notes the following about the mural:

"The arches are doorways from the past to the present to the future. The past is where our sports legends created memories of success and victory. The sky represents the present. The father is passing down tradition to his son, who represents the future. The brick wall represents stability and strength."

Below are closeup photos of seven selected murals from the stadium by Jerome T. White:

Arches of Tradition by Jerome T. White at Cleveland's Historic League Park Arches of Tradition by Jerome T. White at Cleveland's Historic League Park
Arches of Tradition by Jerome T. White at Cleveland's Historic League Park Arches of Tradition by Jerome T. White at Cleveland's Historic League Park


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