NEW YORK >> A Norman Rockwell painting of Boston Red Sox players has sold to a private buyer for $22.6 million.

“The Rookie (Red Sox Locker Room)” led the bidding Thursday at Christie’s auction of American art in New York.

“The Rookie” shows Hall of Famer Ted Williams and other seasoned veterans as an awkward newcomer arrives for spring training.

The painting appeared on the cover of the Saturday Evening Post in 1957. An anonymous owner acquired it in 1986. It remained in the same private collection since.

It was exhibited this month at Fenway Park and the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. It was previously shown at the museum in 2005 and 2008 following Red Sox World Series victories.

Christie’s sold 115 pieces, netting $64 million.