RON KITTLE INC.
PLAY BALL!
Chicago White Sox fans know and love Mark Buehrle. After all, there are few pitchers who can boast pitching a perfect game (only 23 in MLB history!).
When the Sox planned to retire Buehrle’s jersey at “Buehrle Day” on June 24, 2017, they had a few thoughts about how to thank him for a job well done.
THE PERFECT GIFT
The Chicago White Sox commissioned Ron Kittle, Chairman of Ron Kittle Charities, Ambassador for the Chicago White Sox, and 1983 American League Rookie of the Year, to create a commemorative piece for Buehrle.
Kittle may have retired from baseball (a former White Sox player himself), but he’s still one busy guy.
As an artist, he designs sports art pieces and other creative items (including custom benches). Most of his work consists of commissioned sculptures and limited artistic pieces.
CUSHING GETS KITTLED
Kittle was introduced to Cushing by Account Manager Christine Fetting. The two have worked together in the past, and have become good friends over the years.
Kittle came in to discuss the Buehrle project and even signed a few autographs for Cushing Sox fans!
DISPLAY CASE PRODUCTION
MAKING OUR CASE
The project was one that Kittle had done before – a display case holding baseballs arranged in Buehrle’s number fifty-six.
Some balls had the Sox logo on them, others represented milestones in Buehrle’s life and career. Having a great relationship with Christine Fetting was a huge help during the production process.
“THERE WERE QUESTIONS ALONG THE WAY, BUT KNOWING CHRISTINE FETTING, WE DISCUSSED EVERYTHING THAT CAME UP SO THERE WEREN’T ANY MAJOR CHALLENGES OR ISSUES. I SHOWED CUSHING MY DESIGN AND HOW TO MOVE FORWARD, AND THEY DID A GREAT JOB. I EXPECTED NOTHING BUT THE BEST, BECAUSE I EXPECT THE BEST OUT OF ME. VERY PLEASED WITH THE START TO FINISH.”
THE BIG REVEAL
When Buehrle Day finally came at Guaranteed Rate Field, the piece was unveiled by Chicago White Sox Chairman of the Board Jerry Reinsdorf.
You can watch the entire ceremony here (or skip ahead to 21:25 to see the Kittle/Cushing project being unveiled!)
CUSHING FANS POSE WITH KITTLE DISPLAY
GAME CHANGER
Did Cushing hit one out of the park? Kittle thought so:
“Cushing did a wonderful job, and I expected nothing but the best. The time table was right on target, which is a key component of my decision to move forward with them. I am 100% sure Cushing will be involved in many of my future designs.”
Have a custom piece you’d like to produce? Contact the Cushing team!
