'Bam-Bam Cam' Neely

Cam Neely Boston Bruins T-shirt

The sports illustration above features Cam Neely aka 'Bam-Bam Cam' of the Boston Bruins by Mudge Studios. The t-shirt art was commissioned by the Corporate Image in Boston in 1993.

Well, Cam is only about a year younger than myself- so I had the opportunity to follow his NHL career with my home team. Cam started his NHL career getting drafted 9th and then playing  three seasons with the Canucks. He would then be traded and go onto play with our Boston Bruins for another decade where he would wrap up a spectacular career with the Black and Gold. Although hampered by significant injuries- specifically to his knee which would keep him out of action for nearly two seasons in the early 1990's, Cam Neely managed to astound the league with his scoring prowess. Cam was also known for his bone jarring body checks and his ability to throw down the gloves. Neely would go on to define the power forward position… literally! Cam Neely scored fifty goals in three seasons. Cam is also in the NHL's top twelve when it comes to career goals per game as well. Cam Neely was also fan favorite playing in five All Star games. Unfortunately, Cam was forced into early retirement after the 95-96 season. No, it wasn't his knee that pressed the issue: it was a bad hip. Being the intense competitor that he is, Cam would campaign to make a return in '98 to the game that he dearly loves. His heart said yes while his body pushed back with a devastating NO. Cam Neely was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2005. Cam returned to the Bruins two years later accepting the role as Vice President of the organization. Neely was eventually named President of Our Boston Bruins in 2010 and delivered us the coveted Stanley Cup that same season!  Always a proud moment to see Cam Neely's number 8 hanging from the Garden rafters.

Photo of Actual Artwork used for the t-shirt above.

Tom Brady Super Bowl XXXVI MVP Pennant Art

Tom Brady Super Bowl XXXVI MVP Uncut Pennant Sheet.

Caricature of Tom Brady by Mudge Studios

Super Bowl XXXVI was an event that I'll never forget. It was February 3, 2002 and my Home Team- The Patriots were 14 point underdogs against the hyped 'Greatest Show on Turf'. There was absolutely little to NO respect for the Patriots at the time. The National Media had already anointed the St. Louis Rams with Kurt Warner and his flashy, high powered offense the Super Bowl Champs. 

Well, the Patriots were no strangers to adversity as they experienced a very similar attitude amongst the national media in preparation for that season's AFC Championship game vs. the Steelers. I remember prior to the actual game having taken place that there was a lot of infighting among the Steelers players. The players were consumed with making arrangements and securing tickets for family and friends for their inevitable trip to the 'Ship. The media attention was on the Steelers and their drama all the way up to the start of the Big Playoff Game. Never getting swallowed up in the distractions, The Patriots would come out with their proverbial hard hats on and lunch pails in hand ready to report to work as a cohesive team unit under the direction of the Football Genius of Head Coach- Bill Belichick. And yes, The Steelers were eventually put out of their misery 24-17. 

Which brings me back to The Super Bowl Game. I recall watching the TV as the St. Louis Rams were being introduced one by one, as the Individual Super Stars that many of them were, to the 10's of thousands of Awe Struck and Adoring Fans at the Superdome. Afterall- This was to be their Glory, Their Victory, Their Crowning Achievement of The St. Louis Rams' Spectacular Football Season. Anyway, This is why the Game has to be played. Back to the Introduction of the teams. The Patriots would be next. And in Patriots fashion, Our team would be introduced and unsurprisingly the players would come out together as one… a team… the Team that could just Do IT!

I was watching the game at my friend Arnie's home with a ton of his family and some mutual friends. The room was filled with an electricity, the energy of optimism. It was one of the most exciting games that I've seen. It felt so good to see our Patriots bring home our first ever Super Bowl Championship.

As you can imagine, I was very happy to have done the art work for the pennant that you see at the beginning of this Blog post. You are looking at an uncut sheet of four Tom Brady Super Bowl XXXVI MVP pennants done for Wincraft, Inc. I had the pleasure of building a relationship with Craig Kunce, the Art Director at the time. Craig had set aside this uncut sheet of Tom Brady pennants for me so that I could have a one of a kind something to commemorate the historic moment for our New England Patriots. Thanks Craig! The Brady MVP pennant was to be a limited edition release of only 2002 to commemorate the year of that Super Bowl Game. My friend Arnie and I had bought 100 of them to sell outside of Gillette Stadium in September of the same year. In fact, I still have a few.

Anyway, Tom Brady would go onto win the AFC East Division 10 times winning 5 AFC Championship Games with 3 Super Bowl Championship Rings to show for it all. I can't wait to see what happens this year as we are poised for another good run at it.

Daddy's Football Buddy Tee

Daddy's Football Buddy by Mudge Studios T-shirt Design | Skreened - Ethical Custom Apparel: "Description:  Daddy's football buddy design by Mudge Studios. Yep, I'm watchin' the big game with dad football t-shirt for the younger fans of America's Game. Football is done as pixel art. Great gift idea for the little one in your family."
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Celtics Green Stuff MA Lottery Project

Green Stuff for Mass Lottery T-Shirt 1987

Featured above is the first Celtic's Team Caricature illustration by Mudge Studios for the Massachusetts Lottery's Green Stuff Campaign. The Celtics players represented include: Dennis Johnson, Larry Bird and Danny Ainge at Bottom from Left to Right. Top Left to Right showcases Darren Daye, Kevin McHale and The Chief- Robert Parish. It was pretty cool to be a year out of college and working on projects that involved one of My Favorite Home Teams. I've had the privilege of attending a few of the Celtic's Home Games when the then Big Three (Bird, McHale and The Chief) owned the parquet. I also had the opportunity to meet Robert Parish when he took a tour of Salem Sportswear back in the day. I was then working in the art department when he dropped by and said hello to us all. Man, he was TALL!

I believe that it was the following year, when I was assigned to replace Darren Day with Jim Paxson. That's right, the well known older brother of John Paxson of Chicago Bulls Fame. That reminds me, I went on to produce a few additional team caricature illustrations for other State Lotteries.

I Fly Basketball Tee

I Fly Basketball - Baller Basketball Design by Mudge for Hoops Fans | Skreened - Ethical Custom Apparel: "Description:  I Fly Basketball T-Shirts and Gift Ideas for both Hoops players and fans of all ages. Hoopster sports art by Mudge Studios features Air Walker driving in on the rim for a monster of a slam dunk! Our Baller Basketball apparel was designed for those who desire to dominate the game. Basketball Rocks. Hoops is Fly!"

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Hoops There it is - Basketball tee

Hoops There it is - Baller Basketball Design by Mudge Studios | Skreened - Ethical Custom Apparel: "Description:  Hoops There it is! Hoops t-shirt design for basketball players and fans. Featured are three basketball player silhouettes tearing up the court."

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Roger The Rocket Clemens Tee

Roger 'Rocket' Clemens for The Corporate Image T-Shirt

The image above is a photo of the original Roger Clemens Artwork by Mudge Studios which was color separated and printed on T-Shirts produced by the Corporate Image in the early 1990's. Sports art was done using Acrylic to mimic watercolors on Illustration Board.

Roger Clemens is arguably one of the most impressive pitchers of all time. Clemens endured 24 seasons in the Big Leagues playing for The Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, N. Y. Yankees, Houston Astros and finally finishing his dominant career with a return to the New York Yankees. Playing for nearly a quarter of a century, Roger Clemens accumulated numerous awards and had many career highlights including two World Series Championship Rings with the Yankees, 7 Cy Young Awards, an AL MVP and an ALL-Star Game MVP, 11 All-Star game appearances and last, but certainly not least- a spot on the MLB All-Century Team!

Growing up in Red Sox Nation, I remember Clemens when he was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in '83. Clemens blew through the minor league farm system, quickly making his debut in the Big Show early during the 1984 season. Clemens was an intense, flame-throwing competitor and when he was on the mound, it was Roger Clemen's house. Red Sox fans absolutely loved their 'Rocket'. Two years later, Roger Clemens would go on to win 24 games helping the Sox move on to the World Series in 1986. That was the year that Roger won his first of many Cy Youngs, the American League MVP as well as the All-Star Game MVP. Unfortunately, the local team didn't come home with the ring that year. At that time we all chalked it up to the Curse. 

Clemens would go onto play for the Sox for about half of his career. Eventually though, Roger found his way onto the Yankees roster from 1999-2003. Although Red Sox Nation despises all things Yankee, Boston fans managed to stay classy and honor their former All-Star with a standing ovation and cheers when Clemens made his last appearance as a starting AL pitcher for the Yankees in Fenway Park in 2003. As mentioned above Roger would return to the Yankees to close out his career in 2007.

Roger Clemens is on the 2013 Hall of Fame Ballot for the first time this year. With 354 Wins, an ERA of 3.12 and 4,672 Strikeouts- The Rocket has the numbers to make it on his first start.

Classic Retro Baseball T-Shirt Art

Retro Baseball T-Shirt by Mudge Studios from Zazzle.com: "Baseball is America's Pastime and one of the World's Favorite Sports. Checkout This Retro Baseball Designs on apparel and other baseball novelties. This Sports Art features a batter awaiting his pitch from the torso up. Classic baseball elements like the baseball diamond and the vintage font make this Baseball Design a Homerun. Great gift ideas for the ball player and baseball fan of all ages. Our Baseball Art was created by Mudge Studios who has done Sports Art on officially licensed NFL, NBA and of course MLB products for over 20 years."

Retro Baseball Shirts and Gift Items by fantasybaseball
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Classic Cuban Beisbol Baseball T-Shirt

Cuban Beisbol Baseball T-Shirt by Mudge Studios from Zazzle.com: We all know that Baseball is America's Pastime and Millions of fans around the world love the game of baseball. Did you know that Baseball is also the Official Sport of Cuba? Baseball in Cuba goes way back to the 1860's when it was introduced to the people of Cuba by American Sailors and Cuban Students returning home from American Colleges. The game of baseball became wildly popular in very short order. Unfortunately as Baseball was really establishing its roots, the game would soon be banned by Cuba's Spanish Rulers. You see- Baseball was much more popular with the Cuban People than the traditional Spanish Bullfights. The Spanish authorities shut down baseball and mandated that the island's population demonstrate its respect and dedication to the Ruling Country of Spain by attending the Bullfights. This is why Baseball is so much more than a game to the Cuban People. Baseball symbolizes Freedom and Equality. Baseball is Life! See our Cuban Beisbol on T-Shirts and More.

Cuban Beisbol Baseball T-Shirt by fantasybaseball
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Baseball is Life

Baseball is Life by Mudge Studios Tshirts from Zazzle.com: "Baseball is Life. “That’s a really cute Baseball outfit!” That’s just what you’ll hear from the other Mommies when they see your tyke’s one-of-a-kind baseball baby bodysuit, customized just for you. Baseball is America's Pastime for a reason. Checkout Our large variety of cool Baseball Designs on apparel and other baseball novelties. Our Fantasy Baseball Art was created by Mudge Studios who has done Sports Art on officially licensed NFL, NBA and of course MLB products for over 20 years.

Baseball is Life by Mudge Studios Tshirts by fantasybaseball
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Can of Corn Baseball Design by Mudge Studios

Can of Corn tee by Mudge

Can of Corn - Mudge Studios T-shirt Design | Skreened - Ethical Custom Apparel: "$27.99
UNISEX ATHLETIC TEE   (More Styles...)
American Apparel athletic tee is a cotton, poly & rayon blend that is the softest, most desirable shirt we carry. This wonderful medium-lightweight tee has a vintage / fitted cut. Sizes: SM-2XL

Description:  Can of Corn! Retro baseball looking t-shirt featuring a ball player catching an easy pop fly. Can of Corn supposedly came from the old days when grocery stores used to stock their canned items pretty high on the shelves often requiring the grocer to nudge a can with a hooked stick in order to have it fall gently in his apron. Supposedly canned corn was placed where it was easily accessible due to its popularity- thus making it a simple catch that took little effort. Our Can of Corn Tee makes a Great Baseball gift idea for baseball players and fans of all ages. Baseball art by Mudge Studios."

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McNall, Gretzky and the 1994-95 NHL Lockout by Mudge Studios

McNall, Gretzky and the 1994-95 NHL LockoutTrading Cards Magazine 1995

As mentioned in a previous post, The 1994-95 NHL Lockout was big news as the threat of a total loss of the National Hockey League season loomed. I remember getting the assignment from Trading Cards Magazine to do another Lockout themed illustration back in '95. This time I was to feature L.A. Kings Owner Bruce McNall with Honus Wagner Card and Wayne Gretzky feeling the pinch (that's an understatement!) of NHL's inability to come to an agreement of a Collective Bargaining Agreement. Sounds a lot like 2012, huh?
As mentioned above, Bruce McNall was an NHL team owner. McNall acquired the Los Angeles Kings in its entirety back in 1988. You may recall that McNall shocked the Hockey World when he traded for Super Star Wayne Gretzky as well as Marty McSorely and Mike Krushelnyski from the then NHL Power House- the Edmonton Oilers. Gretzky got a huge raise in that blockbuster deal- going from almost one million to three million dollars per season! As a result, NHL Player salaries would certainly never be the same after that! Well, You've guessed it- that brings us to the NHL Lockout of '94-'95 with the concept of the Salary Cap being the Biggest Issue and Hurdle that would result in THE LOST SEASON.
Unfortunately for Bruce, The Lockout was only part of what would certainly cause his rapid decline. Turns out that McNall had defaulted on a $90 million loan, would be convicted and serve time for conspiracy and fraud and eventually have to sell his Team. The concept for this illustration was to have McNall and Gretzky in a Great Depression type setting with McNall wearing nothing but a barrel holding his prized 1909 T206 Honus Wagner Baseball Card and some rare foreign coins. His Sidekick, Wayne Gretzky, who remained friends with McNall, has his bags packed as he desperately seeks to find some work- even if food is the only compensation.
End the Hockey Lockout Now! We are all feeling the pain. For now- you can check out the Wayne Gretzky Merch that Mudge has selected from Amazon.com. Recommended are Gretzky Jerseys, Books, Dvds and More!

Vitruvian MMA Man Poster

Vitruvian MMA Man Poster by Mudge Studios from Zazzle.com: "Our Vitruvian MMA Man is

Based on Leonardo da Vinci's Vitruvian Man.

The Vitruvian Man is an iconic pen and ink drawing by Leonardo da Vince c. 1487 during the Renaissance. This world-famous artwork depicts a man in two superimposed poses within a square and a circle revealing the Proportions of Man. Vitruvian Man is but one of many examples of how Leonardo da Vinci enjoyed mixing art and science. To this day, Vitruvian Man has been employed as a symbol for science and medicine. The Vitruvian Man has also inspired a multitude of other artists in drawing their own version. Our version of Vitruvian Man features a Mixed Martial Artist sporting MMA gloves and shorts. Our Vitruvian Man rocks the cage as he seeks to dominate his next opponent. This MMA Fighter looks great on our Mixed Martial Arts t-shirts, posters, stickers, mugs, buttons and more."

Vitruvian MMA Man Poster by MixedMartialArtist
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Other MMA Designs by Mixed Martial Artist

We are Fanatics for The Mixed Martial Arts. We are also graphic designers that appreciate the classic art produced by the master painters and sculptors from years gone by. We've combined MMA and some of the most iconic masterpieces in art history to create Our Unique Mixed Martial Arts images. The resulting efforts has become our Mixed Martial Artist Gift Shop at Zazzle. Mixed Martial Artist showcases iconic works by Michaelangelo, Van Gogh, Leonardo DaVinci, George Bellows, Edvard Munch, Auguste Rodin and more that were graphically infused with the awesomeness that is MMA . Check out our MMA Lisa, The Starry MMA Fight Night, The Creation of MMA, The Vitruvian Man- MMA Fighter, The Scream- MMA Style, The MMA Thinker and More. You'll see that Our Unique MMA t-shirts, posters, mugs and more make perfect gift items for those who literally appreciate The Mixed Martial Arts. MMA Rocks!

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1994-1995 Hockey Lockout Illustration

Bettman Vs Goodenow 1995 Lockout by Mudge Studios for Trading Cards Magazine

Come on NOW- Let's Play Some Hockey!  Lockouts in the NHL are not anything new. Before the current 2012 Lockout, The NHL had to contend with a strike in 1992 as well as  the 1994-95 Lockout .

That brings me to the background for the artwork above. In January of 1995, Mudge was assigned an editorial 

illustration to capture the sentiment of the back then 1994-95 Lockout. This Lockout happened the season after the players had taken the ice without a Collective Bargaining Agreement. The illustration features caricatures of Gary Bettman the commissioner of the NHL vs. Bob Goodenow who represented the Players Association. Both of these characters have their fingers crossed behind their backs as  NHL's Hall of Famers Bobby Hull, Bobby Orr and Gordie Howe look down in disbelief. Many of us thought they would not make this thing happen. As it turned out- the season was trimmed down to 48 games and there was no All-Star Game. 

About a decade later the 2004-05 Lockout reared its very ugly head.  That was a very dark period for hockey as it wiped out that entire season. I remember that the NHL was becoming a really hot commodity with a growing fan base just prior to that one- even challenging the other major sports for recognition. It was a rough time for everybody- I know that Mudge Studios lost a couple of assignments over that nasty war of attrition. 

Finally a Collective Bargaining Agreement was reached in 2005, which allowed for the return of the NHLers to the ice. I do remember that the fans felt betrayed and they were very slow to come back and embrace their sport once again. Well, I guess that this brings us back to what's happening now… as that CBA expired on Sept 15, 2012.  Lockouts  are painful for all directly involved with the league and then the misery just trickles down from there. Hopefully, the two sides will see what they all have at stake and settle this thing soon! I miss watching the games and not to mention that not too many sports come even close to the intensity and entertainment of playoff hockey! The season better not be cancelled! 

LaX Rocks Lacrosse

LaX Rocks T-Shirts by Mudge Studios from Zazzle.com: "Lacrosse is not only North America's oldest sports, Lax is also fast becoming the most popular. Celebrate the Excitement and Energy of Lacrosse with our Awesome LaX Rocks t-shirts, stickers, mugs & more. Add your team name to most designs. Lax Rules! Other spring sports drool!

LaX Rocks gear Tee Shirts by mudgestudios
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Fantasy Football Gift Shop at Zazzle

Fantasy Football Gift Shop at Zazzle

American Football is America's most popular sport. Football is played at many levels and variations including Pop Warner and American Youth Football for kids, high school, university and collegiate, semi-pro and professional in leagues such as the NFL. And What makes Football EVEN BETTER are all of the Fantasy Football Leagues! 

Our Fantasy football Art was created by Mudge Studios who has done Sports Art on officially licensed NFL products for over 20 years. Featured at Fantasy football are Graphics of footballs, helmets as well as cool illustrations of generic players ready to Quarterback, tackle and rush accompanied by Great Slogans such as I thrive in the Red Zone, Meet me in the End Zone, Gridiron, Guaranteed First Down, Fantasy Football Rocks, Air Raid, Beware My Straight Arm, I Blitz, Sack, I Quarterback, Call Me Coach and more. 

Need to add your own Football slogan or Team's name to Mudge's Sport's Art? Need to Personalize a Football Gift Idea for Coach? Check out our Customizable Football Design section in our Store. Our Fantasy football Gear makes a great gift for football fans of all ages. Thanks for shopping Fantasy Football.

Fantasy Football Machine Gear Shirts by fantasyfootball
Browse Football T-Shirts

Fantasy Football Machine Gear Shirts from Zazzle.com: "Our I'm a fine tuned Fantasy Football Machine t-shirts, stickers, mugs & more feature Our Busted Helmet Design for Hardcore Fantasy Footballers & Fantasy League Fans!

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Live to Curl Curling Shirt

Live to Curl Curling Shirt by Mudge Studios from Zazzle.com: "Curling is the Gran' Daddy of Winter Sport. In fact, If Curling were easy- they'd call it Hockey. Display your love for the Curling Game with our variety of I Live to Curl tee shirts & more. Better Yet, let the Curling World know that you have the Stones to Curl! Our Curling shirts make great gift ideas for Curling lovers and Curling fans of all ages and yes... abilities. Also check out our other great curling designs.

Live to Curl Curling Shirt by mudgestudios
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