TREE of HOPE

Lighting Ceremony on the Lunar New Year’s Day

Join us for the Lighting Ceremony to celebrate the Lunar New Year and pay tribute to all the dedicate workers who have been helping this project.

Time: 4:30pm on Monday, Feb 4th

Location: 3110 Whitestone Expy, Flushing, NY 11354

Work In Progress

25,000 used baseballs from all over the world are now in Crystal Window headquarter in Flushing, New York. Structure of Tree of Hope is also arrived from Taiwan. Shih-Pao Lin, the artist, and workers in Crystal are fabricating the project together in the factory.

Project Concept

Pandemonium coming from the packed stadium can be heard in the batter’s box! Tens of thousands of eyes are glued on the hitter / batter and the players on the field. The ball is hit into the sky, flying high, far and across the field. It’s a moment of Victory! People are in admiration of the player, the home run and of “each other”. People are cheering and screaming passionately. Shouts of idolization fill the air. This is the great game of “BASEBALL / BEISBOL / 棒球 / 야구 / 野球”.

Sports and Arts; both consisting of passion and beauty, break the boundaries between races, languages, and cultures. The “TREE of HOPE” is not just about the collection of baseballs and softballs to build a tree. It’s about the Unity and Victory of people when they join forces and energy.

This project symbolizes the ultimate art that lies within baseball, the influence it has in bringing people together. The ability and sportsmanship of each player leaves an unforgettable impression on the spectators after each game.

The player’s actions reflect the explosive powers of life. Faith, wisdom, perseverance, courage, and physical strength allows the players to manage through tough challenges. Those characteristics allow players to perform and demonstrate their abilities in the world of baseball. Those players create touching, emotional and inspiring memories.

Through connecting numerous baseballs and softballs together to form circles, we wish to present an accumulation of the glorious unity of people and the sport of baseball. The “Tree of Hope” constructed by recycled baseballs, is the unity of the spirit of baseball and art. This union symbolizes the embodiment of the touching spirit of the game of baseball. The spirit of baseball will be transferred into the creation of this art project.

The "TREE of HOPE" represents the story of a baseball and its flight across the sky. Baseball is a team sport that equals unity, brotherhood, trust and loyalty. When a team works diligently and collectively, their chances of winning can be greater. The hard work and determination of the players is reflected by people’s cheers and loyal faithfulness.

The "TREE of HOPE" wishes to convey the spirit of mankind by putting aside the negativity in the world and once again experience the beauty of “Sports and Art.

The "TREE of HOPE made by the thousands of unique baseballs and softballs will represent the pulsation of life and the endless energy between players, fans and the sport. The perfect combination of sports and art relies on the collective effort of all people. People collaborating as one towards a common goal of building a bridge of happiness, peace, friendship and unity towards a brilliant future with “Hope”.

Baseball creates collective memories of glory on the field. Our project will create collective memories off the field. The collection of baseballs and softballs will unite and give people of the world the opportunity to participate with donations of baseballs, softballs and funds. Please bring your passion and warm regards to support the completion of our project. We sincerely appreciate your participation and support.

TREE of HOPE WORLD AMBASSADOR  *** DUSTY BAKER ***

Johnnie B. "Dusty" Baker, one of the utmost respected people in baseball history, a former Major League Baseball manager and retired player. He had a 19-year career in the Major Leagues as a hard-hitting and excellent fielding outfielder, primarily with the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers. He helped the Dodgers to pennants in 1977 and 1978 and to the World Series championship in 1981.

Baker accomplishments included playing on the National League All-Star team in 1981 and 1982, winning three League Championship series in 1977, 1978, and 1981. Baker ultimately won a World Series title in 1981 with the Dodgers. Baker also earned a spot in baseball history. On April 8, 1974, Baker was on deck hitter when Hank Aaron hit home run 715 to pass Babe Ruth in career home runs. (He said he hit a double "That nobody saw and nobody cared" in that at-bat.) Baker played his final season in 1986.

Los Angeles Dodgers teammates Baker and Glen Burke were the first professional athletes to high five each other on the field. As Baker cross home plate on his 30th homerun of the season, Burke had his hands up in the air and “Baker High Five” him.

After his playing days he went on to have a 20-year career as a manager with the San Francisco Giants, Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, and Washington Nationals. He led the Giants to the 2002 National League pennant appearing in the World Series against the Anaheim Angels and also led the latter three teams to the playoffs teams.

Baker is number 14th on Major League Baseball all-time managerial list with a 1,863 -1,636 record and winning percent of .532

During his playing days Baker served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve. He is also a 2015 Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame inductee.

JOHNNIE DUSTY BAKER

TREE of HOPE STRUCTURE

Previous projects by LIN, SHIH PAO

World Support. Thank you.