is a celebration of America’s national treasure and pastime. This is the first major exhibition that explores and examines the relationship between baseball and American culture. Through the exploration of a broad range of themes, including immigration, nationalism, integration, technology and popular culture, the exhibit reveals how the game has reflected and sometimes shaped American society.
With over 500 artifacts on display, the exhibition is organized in seven thematic sections that allow visitors to experience and understand the role of baseball in American culture and history.
Our National Spirit
Baseball is so closely identified with American ideals and identity that it often serves as an expression of patriotism. In this section, visitors get a glimpse of the baseball’s evolution and its connection to patriotic symbolism.
Among many key iconic artifacts, the Doubleday Ball, considered most sacred by baseball fans, is featured in this section. This was the first artifact displayed in the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. This ball was also the “first pitch” ball by William H. Taft on April 14, 1910, thus establishing the tradition of the ceremonious Presidential pitch.
Ideals and Injustice
This section of the exhibit focuses on the promise of equal opportunity offered to so many people and also places a strong emphasis on denial of opportunity. Visitors get a glimpse of the game’s diversity through artifacts such as a 1902 photo card from the Chicago Star Ladies’ Baseball Club and a Brooklyn Dodger’s jersey worn by Jackie Robinson.
Rooting for the Team Complex and archaic rituals, both those followed by the players as well as those shared by the fans, dominate the game. In this section, the traditions of the game are explored—hot dogs, the seventh-inning stretch, team colors, etc.
An early hot dog vending bucket; Jack Norworth’s 1908 manuscript; “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” and many art created by fans who have a special connection with the game like scrapbooks, etc.
Enterprise and Opportunity
This section explores the “business of baseball” in the development of memorabilia as an investment and market-driven campaign that transform athletes into celebrities.
Visitors get a chance to see up- close The T206 Honus Wagner card, one of the game’s most prized baseball cards. Also, the Gavel owned by Ford Frick, baseball commissioner from 1951-1965 and an aluminum can of "Little Sport Brand" canned corn are highlighted in this section.
Creating a Common Culture
Baseball images, metaphors and references permeate virtually every aspect of American society. Baseball was part of popular culture as early as the 1860s, celebrated in song, story, and art.
This section of the exhibit presents the Norman Rockwell painting “The Three Umpires” among many other artifacts.
Invention and Ingenuity
In this section, through various artifacts, visitors can witness the technological advances brought to the game over a period of time.
Some of the relics include an 1877 Catcher's mask invented by Harvard University team captain Fred Thayer and worn by Harvard catcher James Tyng and a circa 1932 microphone used by Red Barber in his first job as a broadcaster at the University of Florida.
Weaving Myths
Baseball is the sport of legends. In America, baseball players often fulfill the role of hero and cultural icon with their admirable traits that resonate through time. See artifacts such as the 1952 Mickey Mantle rookie card, a bumper sticker urging fans to “Save Tiger Stadium,” sheet music to “Say Hey, Willie Mays,” Shoeless Joe Jackson’s spikes and more.
Baseball As America
the most significant exhibition of baseball artifacts and history was organized by the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, New York, and plays the “final inning” of its 10-city national tour at Henry Ford Museum, March 11-September 5, 2006. The national tour of Baseball As America is sponsored by Ernst & Young.
The Henry Ford, located in Dearborn, Michigan was founded in 1929 by automotive pioneer Henry Ford. This history destination includes Henry Ford Museum, Greenfield Village, The Henry Ford IMAX Theatre, The Benson Ford Research Center and The Ford Rouge Factory Tour. The Henry Ford, America's Greatest History Attraction, is the history destination that brings the American Experience to life.
For more information log on to: www.thehenryford.org.
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Visitors get a chance to see up- close The T206 Honus Wagner card, one of the game’s most prized baseball cards. Also, the Gavel owned by Ford Frick, baseball commissioner from 1951-1965 and an aluminum can of "Little Sport Brand" canned corn are highlighted in this section.