Analysis. History. Perspective.

Sports Then and Now



Leroy Neiman Holds a Special Place in Sports History 5

Posted on June 23, 2012 by Dean Hybl

Leroy Neiman's style and persona were both one-of-a-kind.

It is one thing to artistically capture an event, person or a moment with the assistance of a camera, but it is a completely different endeavor to try and articulate a moment using a paint brush and canvas. Arguably, no one has ever quite captured great sports moments and athletes with the same flair and style as Leroy Neiman, who passed away earlier this week at the age of 91.

If you followed sports in the 1970s, it is likely you have instant visual recognition both of Neiman’s colorful paintings and of his flashy personal style including his one-of-a-kind mustache and flamboyant attire. In an era where colors and flash were in style, Neiman was a perfect fit.

The official painter for five Olympiads, a long-time contributor to Playboy magazine, if it was a big event during the 1970s, it is likely that Neiman was there with his paints, canvas and stogie. His one-site work provided instant permanency to events from Super Bowls to World Series to boxing matches. His appearance in Rocky II gave instant credibility to a fictional story. Read the rest of this entry →

  • Vintage Athlete of the Month

    • Archie Griffin: 2-Time Heisman Winner
      December 11, 2022 | 1:42 pm
      Archie Griffin

      The Sports Then and Now Vintage Athlete of the Month is the only football player ever to capture college football’s top individual award twice.

      As a star running back for the Ohio State Buckeyes, Archie Griffin claimed the Heisman Trophy during his junior season in 1974 and then was able to repeat the honor the following season.

      Griffin joined the Buckeyes for the 1972 season, which happened to be the first in which freshmen were eligible to play varsity football, and made an immediate impact. After fumbling in his only carry of his first game, Griffin more than made up for it in his second game by rushing for 237 yards against North Carolina. By the end of the season, Griffin had rushed for 867 yards.

      Read more »

    • RSSArchive for Vintage Athlete of the Month »
  • Follow Us Online

  • Current Poll

    Who Will Win the 2024 World Series?

    View Results

    Loading ... Loading ...
  • Post Categories



↑ Top