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When Stephen Burkett applied for a seasonal job with the Detroit Tigers in 2001, he never imagined that 24 years later, he’d not only still be there but that the organization would celebrate him as the featured artist for one of its biggest milestones.
“I’ve done some work for them in the past, but nothing like this,” said Burkett, a lifelong Wyandotte resident and the Tigers’ featured artist for Comerica Park’s 25th Anniversary Design Series. “They gave me freedom to create whatever I saw fit to commemorate the anniversary… It was an honor, to say the least. A very humbling, weird, and surreal experience.”
Burkett’s story is one of creative persistence, deep love for the game, and a unique perspective only a longtime ballpark insider could bring to the canvas. A fixture at Comerica Park since 2001, he now serves as an Event Staff Supervisor, a role that gives him a front-row seat to some of the team’s most memorable moments.
“For those that don’t know, I do work at the ballpark. It’s my 24th season this year, so I’ve seen some great moments from a perspective that most don’t get to see,” he said. “For the artwork, I included moments from the ballpark’s history that have made an impression not only on me, but are lasting memories for millions of fans for years to come.”
From baseball cards to ballpark murals
Burkett’s journey as an artist started early.
“I’ve always been interested in art. I was always drawing growing up. My first real drawings were of baseball players, specifically recreating baseball cards, but larger versions,” he said.
Though he took a few art classes in high school, it wasn’t until attending Wayne State University that Burkett truly reconnected with his creative side.
“Going to school in the heart of Detroit changed my outlook on culture,” he said. “I started to gravitate back to art and creativity. I wanted to become an art teacher, but I never had the opportunity to finish school. I don’t regret it, because being creative and being an artist does not require a degree.”
His chance to merge passion with profession began modestly enough.
“In 2001, I was 19 years old, going to school in the city, and thought, ‘Why not?’” he said. “I sent in an application from the website, went to the job fair, and was called back to be an usher. The rest is history.”
Capturing a quarter-century of Tigers memories
The 25th Anniversary of Comerica Park brought with it a season-long Tigers Design Series, and a few weeks before the big celebration, the team’s marketing department asked Burkett to participate.
“I have done artwork for a few people within the organization, who have become my friends and supported me as an artist, creating different pieces for them. So they knew that I was an artist, but I did not think I would ever be considered to be the featured artist for the Anniversary weekend,” he said. “We had a quick conversation, and they felt that I would be a great fit, and it would be a great story, one of their own employees, who just happens to be an artist.”
Unlike previous Design Series artists, who worked digitally, Burkett’s art was completely handmade, layered, textured, and personal.
“The concept was all mine. No one dictated what I had to do. Every element of the piece is done by hand,” he said. “The background image of the ballpark is from a painting I created quite a few years ago. Each ‘Polaroid’ is drawn by hand, cut out, and adhered to the background surface. Even the anniversary logo is hand-drawn and cut.”
Burkett structured the artwork as a series of eight “Polaroid” snapshots, each capturing iconic Tigers moments from the past 25 years—many of which he witnessed firsthand. One such moment was a no-brainer.
“My favorite memory while working at the ballpark has to be—and still is—when Magglio Ordóñez hit the famous home run in the 2006 ALCS to send the Tigers to their first World Series since 1984,” Burkett said. “When I see video or hear radio calls of that moment, I still get goosebumps. That inspired me to recreate that moment with a drawing.”
A moment in the spotlight
As part of the weekend celebration, Burkett was asked to do something he’d never done before: sign prints of his artwork on the concourse during a game.
“I was really hesitant at first,” he admitted. “I have responsibilities as a supervisor, and I don’t like to be the center of attention. But ultimately, I agreed.”
The experience left him awestruck.
“I was at a table right after a former Tigers player had been signing autographs,” he said. “Me, an employee—and yes, artist—signing prints of my artwork after a former player. I signed well over 200 prints in a matter of minutes. People wanted them personalized, which was even stranger. I still cannot believe other Tiger fans loved the artwork as much as they did.”
What’s next
As the Tigers’ season progresses, Burkett is already sketching ideas for future work.
“I plan on creating some more Tigers-themed artwork. Maybe I’ll recreate some of the moments that have happened so far this season,” he said. “I’m always thinking of what my next piece will be.”
His artistic range extends beyond the ballpark, too. Under the name ABS Sports Art, Burkett has produced “Greetings from Detroit,” a series highlighting landmarks across the city, as well as hand-drawn ornaments of his hometown of Wyandotte.
“I’ve realized that my artwork actually means something to other people,” he said. “That’s been the biggest takeaway from this entire experience.”
To see more of Stephen Burkett’s work or commission a custom piece, follow him at ABS Sports Art on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, or X.
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