Our Story and Passion for Art
This iconic mural, CHAMPIONS, which measures an imposing 12-feet wide and 8-feet tall, is a breathtaking expression of America's freedom-loving culture. It's an historic work of art that boldly depicts America's championship spirit, history and promise.
The title, "CHAMPIONS", was chosen for this awesome masterpiece because it signifies the three essential virtues - VALOR, HONOR and STRENGTH - of America's true Champions, her soldiers, sailors, marines and air-crews serving in the U.S. military.
CHAMPIONS History
The CHAMPIONS mural began on a baseball field at Fort Drum Army base near Watertown, New York . Two teams of soldiers, sailors and marines squared off in an exhibition softball game on the eve of being deployed to Afghanistan. The teams were captained by legendary former professional players, Vida Blue and Tommy John.
After Vida's team thrilling comeback victory, a blank canvas was unfurled at a post-game barbecue celebration where several military personnel were invited to paint the first brushstrokes on what would ultimately become the CHAMPIONS mural.
A few months later, on the tenth anniversary of 9/11, the finished CHAMPIONS mural was unveiled at Gallagher's Steakhouse in New York City and later paraded through Times Square, Central Park and Rockefeller Center to honor the NYPD and NYFD first responders.
Every step of the mural's origin and development has been carefully curated with extensive video and photographic records, some of which are contained and viewable on this website.
Tommy John visiting with Navy personnel and tourists in New York's Times Square on September 11, 2011.
