Batting Doughnuts
Handmade Conceptual Art
In 1955, Elston Howard (the first African-American player on the Yankees' roster) developed the batting doughnut to help hitters warm up and improve bat speed. Howard, the 1963 AL MVP, later received investment from the St. Louis Cardinals to produce more weights. However, new competitors began manufacturing doughnuts, and Howard ultimately didn't profit like he should've. He and his supporters lacked the funds to take his competitors to court.
ABOUT MY BATTING DOUGNUTS
They are real iron doughnuts, and as you would expect... they are heavy!
- Each doughnut weighs 16 OZ.
- They are made over a multi-day process, using a combination of spray paint, acrylic (glazing), faux sprinkles, and Flex Seal (as a protective coating).
- Each doughnut is hand-painted original artwork by yours truly, Matthew Lee Rosen.
