Sports & Leisure

Tennis Racket

The nation's passion for sports is obvious every day—at NASCAR races, kiddie soccer matches, and countless other contests. From a handball used by Abraham Lincoln to Chris Evert's tennis racket to a baseball signed by Jackie Robinson, the roughly 6.000 objects in the Museum's sports collections bear witness to the vital place of sports in the nation's history. Paper sports objects in the collections, such as souvenir programs and baseball cards, number in the hundreds of thousands.

Leisure collections encompass a different range of objects, including camping vehicles and gear, video games, playing cards, sportswear, exercise equipment, and Currier and Ives prints of fishing, hunting, and horseracing. Some 4,000 toys dating from the colonial period to the present are a special strength of the collections.

Topic: Baseball

Hillerich & Bradsby Louisville Slugger pattern bat for McGee

date made
1921 - 1929
maker
Hillerich & Bradsby Co.
Hillerich & Bradsby Co.
ID Number
2016.0369.01
accession number
2016.0369
catalog number
2016.0369.01

Special Olympics sports card featuring Vincent DeBarnardo in baseball

Special Olympics sports card featuring Vincent DeBarnardo of New York in baseball.From its beginnings as Camp Shriver in Eunice Kennedy Shriver’s backyard, to the first international games in 1968, Special Olympics has been about giving people with intellectual disabilities the o
Description (Brief)
Special Olympics sports card featuring Vincent DeBarnardo of New York in baseball.
From its beginnings as Camp Shriver in Eunice Kennedy Shriver’s backyard, to the first international games in 1968, Special Olympics has been about giving people with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to participate in sport. This participation builds confidence, provides emotional support and offers social opportunities for the athletes and their families. With state chapters and a global presence through its World Games, “Special Olympics is the largest sports organization for people with intellectual disabilities with 5 million athletes in 170 countries worldwide.”
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2018.3010.356
nonaccession number
2018.3010
catalog number
2018.3010.356

Bat used by Hank Aaron in the 1957 All-Star Game

This bat was used by Hank Aaron in the 1957 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, held at Busch Stadium in St.
Description
This bat was used by Hank Aaron in the 1957 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, held at Busch Stadium in St. Louis.
Henry Louis "Hank" Aaron (b.1934) first began playing professional baseball as a teenage shortstop for the Negro League's Indianapolis Clowns.
Aaron joined Major League Baseball in 1952, signing a contract with the National League's Milwaukee Braves. Aaron played right-field for the Braves for almost the entirety of major league tenure, following the club in its move to Atlanta in 1966. In 1975 he returned to Milwaukee as a member of the city's new team, the Brewers, for his final season.
On April 8, 1974, Aaron hit his record setting 715th home run, besting the mark set by Babe Ruth, who last set the record in 1935. Finishing his career with 755, "The Hammer" was baseball's home run king until 2007, when he was overtaken by Barry Bonds.
Aaron's on-field exploits fill baseball's record books. Finishing his career with a .305 batting average, the 25 time all-star still holds records for most total bases (6,856) and RBI (2,297.) Besides being second in all-time home runs, Aaron is currently third all-time in hits (3,771) and in games played (3,298.)
Aaron dealt with racism throughout his career. As he neared Ruth's mark, he received thousands of letters daily, much of it hate mail, including threats to his life. In 1976, Aaron was awarded the Spingarn Medal by the NAACP for outstanding achievement by an African American. Inducted in the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1982, Aaron was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President George Bush in 2002.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1957
user
Aaron, Hank
maker
Hillerich & Bradsby Co.
ID Number
2017.0084.06
model number
A93
accession number
2017.0084
catalog number
2017.0084.06

Joe DiMaggio

Postcard of baseball player Joe DiMaggio. The card is part of a series made by the Exhibit Supply Company (ESCO) between 1939-1946.
Description (Brief)
Postcard of baseball player Joe DiMaggio. The card is part of a series made by the Exhibit Supply Company (ESCO) between 1939-1946. Unlike traditional baseball cards, which were often offered as premiums or in packages, the large format Exhibit cards were dispensed from vending machines. ESCO released their first series of cards in 1921. This series is known as the Salutations series, as cards in the set included a greeting and copy of the player's autograph.
Joseph (Joe) DiMaggio (1914-1990) played centerfield for the New York Yankees from 1936-1942 and from 1946-1951, with time in-between spent in military service. One of the most dominant and popular athletes in United States history, Joltin' Joe was an All-Star every season of his 13 year career, taking home three American League Most Valuable Player Awards and leading the Yankees to a remarkable 9 World Series Championships. In 1941, the Yankee Clipper , a lifetime .325 batter, set a Major League Baseball record, getting a hit in 56 consecutive games.
The son of Italian immigrants, DiMaggio had two brothers, Dominic (Dom) and Vincent (Vince,) who also played in the Major Leagues. The native Californian made international headlines with his short-lived marriage to actress Marilyn Monroe in 1954.
Enshrined in Baseball's Hall of Fame in 1955, Dimaggio is remembered, not only for his achievements on the diamond, but as an icon for the era in which he played.
date made
1939-1946
thru person
Rinsland, George
Associated Name
DiMaggio, Joe
New York Yankees
maker
Exhibit Supply Company
ID Number
CL.310547.029.05
accession number
310547
catalog number
310547.029.05

St. Louis Cardinals Jersey, worn by Ozzie Smith

Osborne Ozzie Smith (b. 1954) played shortstop in the Major Leagues for the San Diego Padres (1978-1981,) before joining the St.
Description
Osborne Ozzie Smith (b. 1954) played shortstop in the Major Leagues for the San Diego Padres (1978-1981,) before joining the St. Louis Cardinals (1982-1996.) Beloved player by fans who delighted in his exuberance, Smith was a rarity who attained stardom primarily due to his defensive abilities.
One of the best fielding shortstops in history, Smith's amazing glove work led him to be known as The Wizard of Oz. Setting Major League records for assists and double plays at his position, the reliable Smith earned 13 gold glove recognitions and made 15 National League All Star Teams.
With Smith anchoring the infield, the Cardinals reached the World Series three times, winning in 1982. After retirement Smith has remained active in baseball and had been a television host, author and entrepreneur. He was elected into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2002
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1986
user
Smith, Ozzie
maker
Rawlings
ID Number
2017.0084.09
accession number
2017.0084
catalog number
2017.0084.09

Catcher, Caffee Park

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1992
associated date
1993
maker
Horenstein, Henry
ID Number
2018.0194.0001
accession number
2018.0194
catalog number
2018.0194.0001

Keith's Continuous Vaudeville Base Ball Score Counter

Celluloid baseball score keeper in the shape of a baseball catcher's mitt. The score keeper has numbered wheels by which fans could keep track of each team's runs and hits in a baseball game.
Description (Brief)
Celluloid baseball score keeper in the shape of a baseball catcher's mitt. The score keeper has numbered wheels by which fans could keep track of each team's runs and hits in a baseball game. Celluloid, the first successful commercial plastic, was used to produce a variety of promotional products.
This score counter advertised Keith's Continuous Vaudeville Show. Benjamin Franklin (B.F.) Keith (1846-1914) was an entertainment pioneer who helped develop variety shows that were open for hours on end, and who helped bring vaudeville into middle class acceptability.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1900-1910
associated institution
Keith's Vaudeville
thru person
Rinsland, George
ID Number
CL.310547.007
catalog number
310547.07
accession number
310547

Baseball card album from the Cuban Leagues, 1945

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1945-1946
ID Number
2016.0369.04
accession number
2016.0369
catalog number
2016.0369.04

San Diego Padres Jersey worn by Tony Gwynn

San Diego Padres baseball jersey worn by Tony Gwynn.Outfielder Anthony Tony Gwynn (1960-2014) played Major League Baseball for the San Diego Padres from 1960-2014.
Description
San Diego Padres baseball jersey worn by Tony Gwynn.
Outfielder Anthony Tony Gwynn (1960-2014) played Major League Baseball for the San Diego Padres from 1960-2014. One of the greatest hitters of all-time, Gwynn, an 8-time National League batting champion, finishing his career with a lifetime.338 batting average and 3,141 hits.
The left hander was a 15 time All-Star and 1999's Roberto Clemente award recipient. After retiring, he became coach of the San Diego State University baseball team, leading the Aztecs to a 363-363 record from 2003-2014.
Known as Mr. Padre, Gwynn has had his number 19 retired by San Diego. He was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2007.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1987-1990
Associated Name
Gwynn, Tony
San Diego Padres
maker
Rawlings
ID Number
2017.0334.04
catalog number
2017.0334.04
accession number
2017.0334

Who's Who in the Major Leagues, 8th Edition

Who's Who in Major League Baseball is a series of books published annually, beginning in 1933. From 1938 – 1954 the series was edited by Chicago Daily News sportswriter John P.
Description (Brief)
Who's Who in Major League Baseball is a series of books published annually, beginning in 1933. From 1938 – 1954 the series was edited by Chicago Daily News sportswriter John P. Carmichael (1902-1986) winner of 1974's Baseball Writers Association of America's Career Excellence Award.
The cover of the 8th edition of Who's Who features some of era's greatest performers; Boston Red Sox pitcher Robert (Lefty) Grove; New York Yankees outfielder Joe DiMaggio; St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Johnny Mize, and Cincinnati Reds pitcher Bucky Walters.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1940
thru person
Rinsland, George
author
Carmichael, John P.
publisher
Callahan, B. E.
depicted (sitter)
DiMaggio, Joe
Associated Name
Grove, Lefty
New York Yankees
Boston Red Sox
St. Louis Cardinals
Cincinnati Reds
maker
Callahan, B. E.
ID Number
CL.310547.010
catalog number
310547.010
accession number
310547

Rube Oldring Autograph

Rueben “Rube” Oldring (1884-1961) was an outfielder and utility infielder in Major League baseball for 13 years, beginning with the New York Highlanders in 1905.
Description
Rueben “Rube” Oldring (1884-1961) was an outfielder and utility infielder in Major League baseball for 13 years, beginning with the New York Highlanders in 1905. The next year he would join the Philadelphia Athletics, where he would spend most of his career, contributing to three championship clubs (1910, 1911, 1913,) (although injuries prevented Oldring from participating in the 1910 World Series.)
Oldring stayed with the Athletics until 1916, where he spent part of a season with the New York Yankees. After a year away from the game, he played one more season with the Athletics before retiring from the Majors
The object is one of a set of 12 cards autographed by professional baseball players, primarily members of the Philadelphia Athletics.
date made
1940s
Associated Name
Philadelphia Athletics
New York Yankees
ID Number
CL.310547.035.10
accession number
CL*310547
catalog number
CL*310547.035.10

Baseball Glove worn by Cal Ripken Jr.

Rawlings brand baseball glove worn by Baltimore Orioles shortstop Cal Ripken Jr.Shortstop Cal Ripken Jr. (b.1960) played Major League baseball's Baltimore Orioles from 1981-2001.
Description
Rawlings brand baseball glove worn by Baltimore Orioles shortstop Cal Ripken Jr.
Shortstop Cal Ripken Jr. (b.1960) played Major League baseball's Baltimore Orioles from 1981-2001. Ripken is known as baseball's Iron Man as he holds the Major League record for most consecutive games played (2,130.)
1982's American League rookie of the year, Ripken was a 19 time All-Star, two-time American League Most Valuable Player (1983,1991,) two-time gold glove award winner (1991, 1992) and a World Series champion (1983.)
With a lifetime .276 batting average Ripken amassed 431 home runs and 1,695 runs-batted-in over the course of his career. He broke New York Yankee first baseman Lou Gehrig's consecutive games record, set in 1925, on September 19, 1998.
Following his career, Ripken has been praised for his charitable work. In 2007 he was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1999
Associated Name
Ripkin, Jr., Cal
Baltimore Orioles
maker
Rawlings
ID Number
2017.0334.02
catalog number
2017.0334.02
accession number
2017.0334

Kansas City Athletics

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
referenced
Kansas City Athletics
ID Number
1986.0512.01
accession number
1986.0512
catalog number
1986.0512.01

New York Mets jersey worn by Pedro Martinez

New York Mets baseball jersey worn by pitcher Pedro Martinez.Right-handed pitcher Pedro Martinez (b.
Description
New York Mets baseball jersey worn by pitcher Pedro Martinez.
Right-handed pitcher Pedro Martinez (b. 1971) played Major League Baseball for the Los Angeles Dodgers (1992-1993,) Montreal Expos (1994-1997,) Boston Red Sox (1998-2004,) New York Mets (2005-2008,) and Philadelphia Phillies (2009.) The native of the Dominican Republic was an 8-time All-Star and 3-time Cy Young Award Winner. In 2004 Martinez helped lead the Red Sox to their first World Series title since 1918.
Martinez attained a career 219-100 Win-Loss record along with a lifetime 2.93 earned run average and 3,154 strikeouts. He has had his number retired by the Red Sox, and was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2015.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
2005-2008
Associated Name
Martinez, Pedro
New York Mets
maker
Majestic Athletic, Ltd.
ID Number
2017.0334.13
catalog number
2017.0334.13
accession number
2017.0334

Bat used by Yogi Berra, New York Yankees

The son of Italian-immigrants, Lawrence Peter Berra was born in St. Louis, MO in 1925. Berra got his famous nickname "yogi" as a teen, based on his resemblance to an Indian yogi seen on film. In 1946, following three years of service in the U.S.
Description
The son of Italian-immigrants, Lawrence Peter Berra was born in St. Louis, MO in 1925. Berra got his famous nickname "yogi" as a teen, based on his resemblance to an Indian yogi seen on film. In 1946, following three years of service in the U.S. Navy, Berra began his long tenure as catcher for the New York Yankees, a run that lasted until 1963. Berra finished his career coaching and playing one season with the New York Mets (1965.) Afterward, Berra would serve as a manager for both New York clubs, with the Yankees in 1964, and again in 1984-1985, and with the Mets from 1972-1975.
Am accomplished hitter, Berra finished his career with a .285 batting average, hitting 358 home runs and 1,430 runs batted in. The 5'7 catcher was also a defensive workhouse, often leading the League in innings caught and working with the Yankees stellar pitching staff. For his abilities both at bat and behind the plate, Berra would win three American League MVP Trophies, and helping lead the Yankees to ten World Series titles. (1947, 1949-53, 1956, 1958, 1961, 1962.) In all, Berra participated in 21 World Series during his career as a player and coach. An 18 time All-Star, Berra was named to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1972.
Berra was beloved for uttering unique philosophical malapropisms that became known as yogi-isms" Phrases coined by Berra such as it aint over till its over and it's like déjà vu all over again have gone on to become staples of American vernacular.
Berra died in 2015 at the age of 90.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1957
user
Berra, Yogi
maker
Hillerich & Bradsby Co.
ID Number
2017.0084.08
model number
R43
accession number
2017.0084
catalog number
2017.0084.08

1950 World Series, New York Yankees vs. Philadelphia Phillies

This program is from a New York Yankees home game in the 1950 World Series. Facing the Philadelphia Phillies, the Yankees easily defended their championship from the previous year, sweeping the series 4-0.
Description
This program is from a New York Yankees home game in the 1950 World Series. Facing the Philadelphia Phillies, the Yankees easily defended their championship from the previous year, sweeping the series 4-0. It would be the second of five consecutive World Series victories for the powerhouse team, whose roster included such future Hall-of-Famers as catcher Yogi Berra, outfielder Joe Dimaggio, shortstop Phil Rizzutto, and pitcher Whitey Ford.
The young 1950 Phillies squad, known as “the Whiz Kids” achieved the National League pennant behind the pitching of Robin Roberts and National League Most Valuable Player Jim Konstanty. It was the teams first World Series appearance since 1915.
I950 would be the last World Series in which no non-white players took the field , as neither team had yet integrated since the abolishment of baseball’s color barrier in 1947.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1950
thru person
Rinsland, George
associated institution
New York Yankees
Philadelphia Phillies
ID Number
CL.310547.096A
accession number
310547
catalog number
310547.096A

President John F. Kennedy in stands

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1962-04-09
depicted (sitter)
Kennedy, John F.
maker
Regan, Ken
ID Number
2017.0104.0007
accession number
2017.0104
catalog number
2017.0104.0007

Ticket for baseball during the1996 Atlanta Summer Olympic Games

Ticket for baseball during the1996 Atlanta Summer Olympic Games.The 1996 Summer Olympic Games, also known as the Games of the XXVI Olympiad were held in Atlanta, Georgia with 197 countries, 6,797 men and 3,523 women athletes participating.
Description (Brief)
Ticket for baseball during the1996 Atlanta Summer Olympic Games.
The 1996 Summer Olympic Games, also known as the Games of the XXVI Olympiad were held in Atlanta, Georgia with 197 countries, 6,797 men and 3,523 women athletes participating. These Games saw the debuts of beach volleyball, mountain biking, softball, and women’s soccer. These Games also saw the American women, who had taken full advantage of Title IX legislation, excel in Olympic competition. The women’s gymnastics, soccer, softball and basketball teams all won gold, propelling the US women athletes into the global spotlight and beginning their dominance in Olympic competition. Atlanta benefitted from the Games as Centennial Olympic Park led to the revitalization of the downtown area and the Olympic Village became residence housing for area universities. These games marked the first time since 1984 that the United States topped the medal count with 101.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1996
ID Number
2018.3010.379
nonaccession number
2018.3010
catalog number
2018.3010.379

Baseball scrapbook made by Bruno Alberici while a boy during the 1930s

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1930s
ID Number
2016.3176.05
nonaccession number
2016.3176
catalog number
2016.3176.05

Western Bloomer Girls

date made
ca 1900
ID Number
1986.0020.01
accession number
1986.0020
catalog number
1986.0020.01

San Francisco Giants Hat, used by Willie Mays

“The Say Hey Kid” Willie Howard Mays Jr. (b.1931) began his career in the Negro Leagues (1947) before joining the Major League’s New York Giants in 1951.
Description
“The Say Hey Kid” Willie Howard Mays Jr. (b.1931) began his career in the Negro Leagues (1947) before joining the Major League’s New York Giants in 1951. Excepting time in military service (1952-1953,) the exuberant center fielder became a mainstay of the Giants, who relocated to San Francisco in 1958. In 1973 Mays signed with the New York Mets, where he would play his final two seasons.
Mays started his Major League career by winning the 1951 National League Rookie of the Year Award. A two time National League Most Valuable Player (1954, 1965) Mays led the Giants to victory in the 1954 World Series, where in game one, he famously caught a ball, hit by Cleveland Indian Vic Wertz, over his shoulder. Now simply referred to in baseball lore as “The Catch,” the play is the best remembered of the many defensive efforts that earned the speedy outfielder 12 gold gloves to go along with his 24 All Star Game recognitions.
Mays finished his career with .302 batting average, 3,283 hits, 660 home runs, 1,903 runs batted in, and 338 stolen bases. One of the greatest all-around players the sport has ever seen, Mays was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1979. In 2015 he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1970-1972
user
Mays, Willie
ID Number
2017.0084.13
accession number
2017.0084
catalog number
2017.0084.13

1919 Baseball Scandal

date made
1927-01
maker
Underwood & Underwood Illustration Studios
ID Number
PG.67.88.06801
catalog number
67.88.06801
accession number
270586

Ticket for baseball during the1996 Atlanta Summer Olympic Games

Ticket for baseball during the1996 Atlanta Summer Olympic Games.The 1996 Summer Olympic Games, also known as the Games of the XXVI Olympiad were held in Atlanta, Georgia with 197 countries, 6,797 men and 3,523 women athletes participating.
Description (Brief)
Ticket for baseball during the1996 Atlanta Summer Olympic Games.
The 1996 Summer Olympic Games, also known as the Games of the XXVI Olympiad were held in Atlanta, Georgia with 197 countries, 6,797 men and 3,523 women athletes participating. These Games saw the debuts of beach volleyball, mountain biking, softball, and women’s soccer. These Games also saw the American women, who had taken full advantage of Title IX legislation, excel in Olympic competition. The women’s gymnastics, soccer, softball and basketball teams all won gold, propelling the US women athletes into the global spotlight and beginning their dominance in Olympic competition. Atlanta benefitted from the Games as Centennial Olympic Park led to the revitalization of the downtown area and the Olympic Village became residence housing for area universities. These games marked the first time since 1984 that the United States topped the medal count with 101.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1996
ID Number
2018.3010.376
nonaccession number
2018.3010
catalog number
2018.3010.376

Baseball bat used by Pete Rose, Cincinnati Reds

Baseball bat used by Pete Rose as a member of the Cincinnati Reds.Peter Pete Rose (b. 1941) currently has the record for most hits in American Major League Baseball with 4,256.
Description
Baseball bat used by Pete Rose as a member of the Cincinnati Reds.
Peter Pete Rose (b. 1941) currently has the record for most hits in American Major League Baseball with 4,256. Known as Charlie Hustle for his aggressive style of play, Rose was a seventeen-time all-star, led the National League in batting three times, and was named the League's Most Valuable Player in 1973. Following his playing career, Rose managed the Cincinnati Reds, where, in 1989, he was found guilty of betting on baseball games. This led to his placement on Major League Baseballs ineligible list, effectively banning him from the sport.
Rose, who appeared in more games (3,562) and had more at-bats (14,053) than any other MLB player, played for the Cincinnati Reds (1963-1978, 1984-1986) Philadelphia Phillies (1979-1983) and Montreal Expos (1984.) A switch-hitter, Rose starred as both infielder and outfielder, winning two gold gloves.
The National League's Rookie of the Year in 1963, Rose helped lead Cincinnati's Big Red Machine to back to back World Series titles in 1975 and 1976. He would attain a third championship ring as a member of the Phillies in 1980.
With a lifetime batting average of .303, Rose had 160 home runs and 1,314 runs batted in for his career. In 1977, he hit safely in 44 straight games, tying the longest streak in National League history. He broke Ty Cobb's long-standing all-time hit record in 1985, retiring the following season.
Named manager of the Reds in 1984, Rose compiled a 412-373 record before being placed on baseball's ineligible list for gambling on baseball. This status has kept Rose away from most MLB baseball functions, including eligibility for induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
In 1990 Rose was sentenced to five months in a Federal penitentiary for filing false income tax returns.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1969-1970
Associated Name
Rose, Pete
Cincinnati Reds
maker
Louisville Slugger
ID Number
2017.0334.15
catalog number
2017.0334.15
accession number
2017.0334

Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.

If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.