Welcome back to Mets Cardboard Memories, Mets fans! In this fifth installment of our nostalgic journey, we dive into the 1969 Citgo Portraits: Celebrating the Miracle Mets in Art.
The world of sports memorabilia is rich with stories and treasures that capture the essence of unforgettable moments in athletic history. Among these cherished items is the 1969 Citgo Portraits set, a series that beautifully encapsulates the youthful exuberance of the Miracle Mets—a team that defied the odds and clinched the 1969 World Series title.
1969 was a landmark year for the New York Mets. On September 10, the Mets secured first place in the National League East, a position they maintained for the remainder of the season. This achievement was part of a stellar month, highlighted by a remarkable pitching performance that included 10 shutouts in a 25-game stretch, with four consecutive shutouts from September 25 to 28.
The 1969 Citgo Portraits set stands out not just for its historical significance but also for its artistic value. Created by renowned celebrity artist John Wheeldon, these portraits are a testament to the period's regional promotional efforts and artistic endeavors in sports memorabilia. Unlike the widely distributed 1969 Citgo MLB coins, these portraits were region-specific and were given away with a gasoline purchase at Citgo stations, where gas prices averaged between 31 and 35 cents per gallon.
Each 8x10 inch portrait in the set is a masterpiece, combining a large head-and-shoulders image of the player with a mini-action drawing and a facsimile autograph, all set against vibrant pastel backgrounds. The reverse side of each portrait features a detailed biography of the player, a year-by-year statistical summary titled "His Lifetime Record," and a biography of Wheeldon himself.
The set comprises eight portraits, featuring some of the most iconic Mets players: Tom Seaver, Tommie Agee, Ken Boswell, Gary Gentry, Jerry Grote, Cleon Jones, Jerry Koosman, and Ed Kranepool. Notably absent is Nolan Ryan, whose limited contribution that season possibly led to his exclusion from the set.
John Wheeldon was more than just an artist; he was a storyteller through his vivid illustrations. Born in 1913 in Worcester, Massachusetts, Wheeldon had a diverse career that included being a combat artist during World War II and creating portraits for Hollywood stars and U.S. Presidents. His work adorned the covers of The Saturday Evening Post and even album covers for "Singing Cowboy" Gene Autry. Despite his extensive portfolio, much of his baseball artwork, including the Citgo portraits, was done out of passion rather than for payment.
The Citgo portraits evoke a sense of nostalgia, as the youthful enthusiasm captured in Wheeldon's portraits remains, immortalizing a team that brought immense joy and pride to its fans.
Despite their rarity, the 1969 Citgo Portraits are not prohibitively expensive. Collectors can occasionally find individual portraits or complete sets on platforms like eBay, allowing new generations to appreciate the intersection of sports history and art.
The 1969 Citgo Portraits set is more than just a collectible; it is a celebration of a historic baseball team, an artist's legacy, and a bygone era of American culture. For fans and collectors alike, these portraits offer a window into a magical time when the underdog Mets rose to greatness, captured forever in vibrant pastel hues.
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