SYLVANIA TOWNSHIP, Ohio — Tom Runnells stitches together history one face at a time.
Runnells was a former baseball player/coach who spent over 40 years in the game, ranging from the minor leagues as a manager of the Toledo Mud Hens to most recently the bench coach of Major League Baseball's Colorado Rockies.
He retired from the game in 2017, and from there, he started a hobby that seems out of left field.
"One of the ways I thought was a cool way of doing things was to use old baseballs, refurbished baseballs," Runnells said. "When people throw away old baseballs, I'll take them, I'll skin them, I'll use the seams and I'll make logos, numbers and, now, I'm working on portraits."
Those portraits are of legends of the diamond, names etched in the history books of American's favorite pasttime like Hank Aaron, Satchel Paige and Josh Gibson.
Runnells does not want to leave anyone on the bench though and tries to give everyone time at the plate.
"I am really interested in the Negro Leagues and those players that kind of paved the way for us to be able to play the game," Runnells said.
"You've got guys like Monty Irvin, Hank Thompson, Cool Papa Bell, Turkey Stearns, who played in Toledo and in Detroit," he added. "Guys like them that are not common names, but it gave me the opportunity to, one, research, and also share with the public."
Runnells creates and showcases his pieces of art for the public to view and even take home for themselves.
But the money goes back to the community and turns a double-play with funds and learning.
"The proceeds usually go to the Police Athletic Leagues or other youth programs around town and it just gives me another way to give back to our own community," he said.
Runnells hopes his work can teach others about lesser-known corners of the sport.
And, he loves what he does.
"Just an education for all of us, including myself and I am learning every day," he said. "I'll continue to learn up until I pass away I think, but it's really just a fun hobby for me."
Runnells' pieces can be viewed at the Fuller Art House in Sylvania.