Paul Waner, 1927 World Series at Yankee Stadium
Photographer: Charles Conlon
Photo Subject: Hall of Fame member Paul “Big Poison” Waner posing with his bat for the 1927 World Series at Yankee Stadium.
Fun Fact: Until the arrival of Roberto Clemente, Paul Waner was the Pittsburgh Pirates greatest right fielder. He was fast, could hit (collecting over 3,000 career hits) and was described by some as being a graceful outfield.
Folklore has it that he and his younger brother Lloyd earned their nicknames Big Poison and Little Poison when playing in Brooklyn against the Dodgers. As the story goes, a fan with a heavy local accent asked “who is that big ‘poy-sin’ next to that little ‘poy-sin’, referring to Paul and Lloyd Waner. The nicknames of Big Poison for Paul and Little Poison for Lloyd stuck.
Paul was also known for his alcohol consumption, especially during games as he thought he played better when intoxicated. According to younger brother Lloyd, “Paul thought you played better when you were relaxed, and alcohol was a good way to relax”.
Casey Stengel said of Waner’s game-time drinking, “He had to be a very graceful player, because he could slide without breaking the bottle on his hip.”
Honus Wagner stated, “He was a lowball hitter and a high ball drinker.”
During the 1938 season, Pirate management required Paul to abstain from drinking and he posted his lowest batting average of his career – a 74-point reduction in his batting average over the prior year.
Painting Detail: Printed on 13” x 19” canvas and painted using Schmincke Mussini and Marshall’s oil paints. Finer details, like uniform piping, were made using Prismacolor pencils.
Acknowledgement: The Only Major League Baseball Player to Refuse a Hit, Eddie Deezen