Baseball – America’s Sport!
Baseball – America’s Sport!
Baseball is arguably America’s favorite pastime, and one we claim as our own. Unlike many sports, baseball began on American soil in the late nineteenth century, and has become an important part of American history. And why not? It’s impossible to attend a baseball game without realizing that the game is steeped in tradition; from the organ music to the uniforms —and don’t forget about those bobbleheads! — there’s something for every baseball lover to enjoy.
Over the years, baseball has become the game of collectors and history buffs. Many fans of the game collect caps, jerseys, bats, balls, and yes, even bobbleheads. There’s no doubt that collecting sports memorabilia has become quite an obsession! And there’s no better place to fuel that obsession than one of the many historic baseball sites in the United States. So, whether you’re a collector of baseball memorabilia, or just a lover of the game, you’ll want to hit the road to visit some of these home-run baseball destinations!
Baseball Hall of Fame, Cooperstown, NY
This is the piéce de résistance for baseball fans around the world. The Baseball Hall of Fame contains some of the most famous pieces of baseball memorabilia that you’ll ever see, including the bat that Babe Ruth used for his 60th home run, and the earliest baseball ever used! According to their website, baseballhall.org, “The National Baseball Hall of Fame is a nonprofit committed to preserving the history of America’s pastime and celebrating the legendary players, managers, umpires and executives who have made the game a fan favorite for more than a century.” There’s no doubt that the Hall of Fame is a must-see for any die-hard baseball fan.
Doubleday Field, Cooperstown, NY
Just a quick jaunt away from the Hall of Fame is Doubleday Field, also located in Cooperstown. Named after Abner Doubleday, the man some believe is credited with inventing the game of baseball, this field is packed with history. Want a bonus? You can call ahead and arrange to play your own game here!
Memorial Park, Bronx, NY
Don’t leave New York just yet, especially if you’re a Yankees fan. Head over to Yankee Stadium, where just beyond the center field fence is an open-air shrine dedicated to many of the most famous baseball players to ever wear the pinstripes, and there are many! It’s a great place to pay homage to these famous sluggers, and learn a bit of baseball history while you’re at it.
Bobblehead Museum, Miami, Florida
Looking for a bit of whimsy in your baseball memorabilia journey? Head way down south to sunny Miami, Florida to check out the Bobblehead Museum. Housed in Marlins Park, it’s the largest baseball-specific collection of bobbleheads in the world. It’s unclear whether the collection includes Jose Altuve, the 2017 Player’s Choice Award for Player of the Year, but if you’re on the lookout for a great source of baseball memorabilia, check out Dynasty Sports and Custom Framing’s Memorabilia Page.
Louisville Slugger Museum, Louisville, Kentucky
Rising more than 120 feet into the blue skies of Louisville is an exact replica of the Sultan of Swat’s favorite bat. That’s right—the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory is one of the crown jewels of sports memorabilia. In fact, the website touts that Forbes.com has referred to the museum as “one of the greatest sports museums in the world.” Take a guided tour through the factory, where you can watch as actual bats are chiseled and stamped. Or, check out the signature wall, which contains thousands of actual signatures of your famous favorites. Then let the kids climb on the big glove. There’s something for everyone at this museum and factory filled with baseball memorabilia.
So, there you have it; if you’re a baseball lover in America, you’re certainly not alone. And the good news is, there are so many wonderful places to explore, learn, and deepen your knowledge of this iconic American pastime. And if it’s not in the cards to get to one of these places right away, simply take in a game at your nearest ballfield. Or, consider taking a road trip to some of the more famous fields, like Wrigley Field in Chicago, Yankee Stadium in the heart of New York, or perhaps the most famous, Fenway Park in Boston. Just don’t let the Green Monster (the team’s mascot) get you!