Norman Rockwell's painting of a rookie joining the Red Sox sells for $22.5 million

Norman Rockwell's "The Rookie" sold for $22.5 million at auction on Thursday. The painting depicts a newcomer entering the Red Sox locker room in early 1957. Pitcher Frank Sullivan, outfielder Jackie Jensen and catcher Sammy White all posed for Rockwell at his home in Stockbridge Massachusetts. Ted Williams, however, did not pose in person. Rockwell based his image of the Splendid Splinter on trading cards and photographs.

And who was the rookie? He never played for the Sox -- he was a Pittsfield high school basketball player named Sherman Safford who happened to fit Rockwell's vision. According to the Berkshire Eagle, he was paid $60 a session. "I wish I had kept those checks," said Safford. "They might be worth more than that now."

Your old VHS of The Rookie, however? $3.50, tops.