Home› PSA Set Registry Forum

Baseball as America at the Smithsonian

mudflap02mudflap02 Posts: 2,060 ✭✭
in PSA Set Registry Forum
Ugh- I typed out this post once already, and as I was finishing, my computer chrashed, so here's the same thing, all over again.

I'm sure it's been brought up on the boards already, but I went to the Baseball as America exhibit at the Smithsonian in DC, and was completely blown away. It was one of the most impressive displays I've ever seen, not just for the quality of items in display, but to the effort that was made to explain the significance of these things to someone who could care less about baseball. Some of the stuff I saw that springs to mind:

A cup of dirt from Ebbets Field

Jackie Robinson GU jersey

A Shoeless Joe Jackson Black Betsy

A Wagner - my first to see in person. The case was awesome - in a little display by itself, very unassuming.

Curt Schilling's hat and John Franco's jersey from the 2001 season.

A ball from Randy Johnson's Perfect Game

A ball from Don Larsen's Perfect Game, as well as Berra's Mitt used to catch it.

The first catchers mask.

George Brett's Pine Tar bat.

Nolan Ryan GU jersey from 6th no hitter.

Satchel Paige GU Browns hat

Joe Carter bat that won the 93 World Series

The list just goes on and on. I felt like I was in the shipping department of a Mastro auction. The exhibit is on tour, so I'll post a link to the dates and locations in just a sec.

The rest of the Smithsonian is unbelievable as well - I've wanted to go my whole life, and even though I only got to spend a day, I'm definitelt happy (even thought I could spend weeks). Seeing stuff like the original Star Spangled Banner, the flag from Mt. Suribachi, and Lincoln's top hat all in one day - wow.

Comments

  • mudflap02mudflap02 Posts: 2,060 ✭✭
    Link to exhibit:

    http://www.baseballasamerica.org/

    Schedule:

    April 3, 2004 - October 3, 2004
    WASHINGTON, DC
    National Museum of Natural History
    (Smithsonian Institution)

    December 19, 2004 - April 24, 2005
    ST. LOUIS
    Missouri Historical Society

    May 21, 2005 - August 14, 2005
    HOUSTON
    Houston Museum of Fine Arts

    September 17, 2005 - January 22, 2006
    OAKLAND
    Oakland Museum of California

    March 11, 2006 - September 5, 2006
    DETROIT
    Henry Ford Museum

    Go out of your way to see this, and take the family. They will understand so much more after seeing it.
  • GriffinsGriffins Posts: 6,076 ✭✭✭
    I saw it last year in LA, and last month in DC. It's a great display, and my son got something different out of it both times. If you're remotely close try and see it.
    Wish I could've seen the back of the Wagner, but it was cool seeing it. With the 9 in the Mastro case and the one in PSA's at the National, along with this one, you'd think they were pretty common. 11 out of about a 100 or so. Wonder where the rest are hiding?

    Always looking for Topps Salesman Samples, pre '51 unopened packs, E90-2, E91a, N690 Kalamazoo Bats, and T204 Square Frame Ramly's

  • mudflap02mudflap02 Posts: 2,060 ✭✭
    Yeah, I totally felt like an idiot leaning up against the wall trying to see the back of the Wagner! I Think they have a backing on it so it can't be done. Nice to know someone else had the same thought as me though.
  • SouthsiderSouthsider Posts: 1,049 ✭✭✭
    Huh, I didn't even know that was here. I'll have to find some time to check that out.
  • onegauchoonegaucho Posts: 650 ✭
    Awesome. I'll be out there in Sept.. thanks for the heads up!
    I'm bummed that I'll miss the Orioles though.
  • more6more6 Posts: 10
    One cool thing about the exhibit, I thought, was the letter written by then-Senator John Kennedy to Jackie Robinson. It was the first time I saw a t206 wagner, too. Wow.
Sign In or Register to comment.