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.

Place: New York

Karate matches

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1981-05-08
photographer
Regan, Ken
ID Number
2014.0112.053
catalog number
2014.0112.053
accession number
2014.0112

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

Saucer

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1923
date used
1936 to 1960s
maker
Beetleware Corporation
ID Number
1984.0331.03
accession number
1984.0331
catalog number
1984.0331.03

Baseball, signed by the 1927 New York Yankees

Leather baseball with blue and red stitching. Autographed in ink by the 1927 World Champion New York Yankees. In 1927 the Yankees went 109-45, beating the Pittsburgh Pirates in the World Series 4-0.
Description
Leather baseball with blue and red stitching. Autographed in ink by the 1927 World Champion New York Yankees. In 1927 the Yankees went 109-45, beating the Pittsburgh Pirates in the World Series 4-0. Ball is signed by Babe Ruth; Lou Gehrig; Joe Duga; Tony Lazzeri; Benny Bengough; Pat Collins; Julie Wera; Myles Thomas; Bob Meusel; Urban Shocker; Dutch Ruether; Joe Giard; Bob Shawkey; Wilcy Moore; Ben Paschal; mark Koenig; Ray Morehart; Cedric Durst; and Mike Gazella.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1927
depicted
Ruth, Babe
Gehrig, Lou
maker
A. J. Reach Co.
ID Number
2017.0084.03
accession number
2017.0084
catalog number
2017.0084.03

Winning "HandsDown", with a Good Second.

A color print of a race track scene. The spectators in two grandstands and behind the fence cheer the winning horse as he crosses the finish line with his jockey, a full length ahead of the next competitor. A large pack of horses and jockeys follow.
Description
A color print of a race track scene. The spectators in two grandstands and behind the fence cheer the winning horse as he crosses the finish line with his jockey, a full length ahead of the next competitor. A large pack of horses and jockeys follow. The judge at the finish line observes with folded hands. Two American flags rise above the stands.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1887
maker
Currier & Ives
ID Number
DL.60.3241
catalog number
60.3241

Plate

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1923
patent date
1923-06-12
date used
1936 to 1960s
maker
Beetleware Corporation
ID Number
1984.0331.02
accession number
1984.0331
catalog number
1984.0331.02

Virginia Squires vs. New York Nets

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1974-01
depicted (sitter)
Erving, Julius
photographer
Regan, Ken
ID Number
2014.0112.038
catalog number
2014.0112.038
accession number
2014.0112

Dish

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1923
date used
1936 to 1960s
maker
Beetleware Corporation
ID Number
1984.0331.10
accession number
1984.0331
catalog number
1984.0331.10

Professor Butts (pencil sharpener)

Camera-ready pen and ink drawing by Rube Goldberg for his comic invention series The Inventions of Professor Lucifer Gorgonzola Butts.
Description
Camera-ready pen and ink drawing by Rube Goldberg for his comic invention series The Inventions of Professor Lucifer Gorgonzola Butts. Goldberg drew for the series between 1914 and 1964.
Cartoon text: Professor Butts gets his think-tank working and evolves the simplified pencil-sharpener. Open window (A) and fly kite (B). String (C) lifts small door (D) allowing moths (E) to escape and eat read flannel shirt (F). As weight of shirt becomes less, shoe (G) steps on switch (H) which heats electric iron (I) and burns hole in pants (J). Smoke (K) enters hole in tree (L) smoking out opossum (M) which jumps into basket (N) pulling rope (O) and lifting cage (P), allowing woodpecker (Q) to chew wood from pencil (R) exposing lead. Emergency knife (S) is always handy in case opossum or the woodpecker gets sick and can't work.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
Undated
original artist
Goldberg, Rube
ID Number
GA.23487
catalog number
23487
accession number
1972.299186

New York Yankees Official Program and Score Card, 1949

This program was bought at a game held at Yankee Stadium on July 5, 194/9. Although the Yankees lost the game to the Boston Red Sox 4-2, they would go on to finish the season 97-57, narrowly edging out Boston for the American League pennant,.
Description
This program was bought at a game held at Yankee Stadium on July 5, 194/9. Although the Yankees lost the game to the Boston Red Sox 4-2, they would go on to finish the season 97-57, narrowly edging out Boston for the American League pennant,. In the World Series the Yankees would defeat their cross-town rivals, the Brooklyn Dodgers, four games to one. It was the Yankees 16th championship.
In Casey Stengel's first year as Yankee's manager, the 1949 Yankees roster were led by a strong pitching staff as well as outfielder Joe Dimaggio, Catcher Yogi Berra, and shortstop Phil Rizzuto.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1949
thru person
Rinsland, George
publisher
Stevens, Harry
associated institution
New York Yankees
Boston Red Sox
maker
Stevens, Harry
ID Number
CL.310547.092A
accession number
310547
catalog number
310547.092A

Daily News Vol. 46. No. 207

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1965-02-22
graphic artist
News Syndicate Co., Inc.
ID Number
2012.3028.01
accession number
2012.3028

New York Yankees Official Program and Score Card, 1956

This New York Yankee's program was acquired for a game against the Boston Red Sox, held at Yankee Stadium on August 15, 1956. The Yankees won the game 6-4, and would go on to finishing the season 97-57, first in the American League.
Description
This New York Yankee's program was acquired for a game against the Boston Red Sox, held at Yankee Stadium on August 15, 1956. The Yankees won the game 6-4, and would go on to finishing the season 97-57, first in the American League. In the World Series they defeated cross-town rivals, the Brooklyn Dodgers, four games to three. It was the Yankees 17th championship.
Managed by Casey Stengel, the 1956 Yankees were led by American League Most Valuable Player Mickey Mantle, who hit .353 with 52 home runs and 130 runs batted in. Other notable players included catcher Yogi Berra, first baseman Bill "Moose" Skowron, outfielder Hank Bauer, and pitchers White Ford, Johnny Kucks, and Don Larsen.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1956
thru person
Rinsland, George
publisher
Stevens, Harry
associated institution
New York Yankees
Boston Red Sox
maker
Stevens, Harry
ID Number
CL.310547.092B
accession number
310547
catalog number
310547.092B

Photograph of Ben Levine at the Calvert Banquet

Black and white photograph of Ben Levine seated at a table with officials of the A.A.U. and New York Newspaper sportwriters, at the Calvert banquet, September 17, 1937. List of the names of the attendees handwritten on the back of the photograph.
Description (Brief)
Black and white photograph of Ben Levine seated at a table with officials of the A.A.U. and New York Newspaper sportwriters, at the Calvert banquet, September 17, 1937. List of the names of the attendees handwritten on the back of the photograph. There are 14 men in the photograph. Levine was a participant in the development of amateur sports competition from 1902 as a boy of 13 when he went to work for James Sullivan, President of the Amateur Athletic Union until his retirement from the A.A.U. in 1968. Levine's primary contribution was to Amateur boxing, which he first promoted prior to 1920. He staged the first Golden Gloves and was the Assistant Manager of te U.S. Boxing teams at the 1924 and 1928 Olympic Games and an international jurist in boxing at the Olympics in 1932.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1937
depicted (sitter)
Levine, Ben
ID Number
1991.0049.33
accession number
1991.0049
catalog number
1991.0049.33

USA vs. USSR - men's basketball

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1973
photographer
Regan, Ken
ID Number
2014.0112.006
catalog number
2014.0112.006
accession number
2014.0112

Memphis Sounds vs. New York Nets

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1974-01
depicted (sitter)
Erving, Julius
photographer
Regan, Ken
ID Number
2014.0112.044
catalog number
2014.0112.044
accession number
2014.0112

Hummingbird Smothers Brothers Yo-Yo

This wooden "Smothers Brothers" yo-yo was made by the Hummingbird Toy Company in 1988. The yo-yo is unopened upon its original yellow, red and black display card that also holds an owner’s manual.
Description (Brief)
This wooden "Smothers Brothers" yo-yo was made by the Hummingbird Toy Company in 1988. The yo-yo is unopened upon its original yellow, red and black display card that also holds an owner’s manual. Silhouette images of the brothers holding musical instruments are printed on the card. The yo-yo has flat sides and a stamped drawing of Dick Smothers (1939- ). The Smothers Brothers were a duo comedy variety act who parlayed their song “Yo-yo Man” into a successful instructional video and yo-yo line.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1988
depicted
Smothers Brothers
maker
Hummingbird Toy Company, Ltd.
ID Number
2002.0246.52
accession number
2002.0246
catalog number
2002.0246.52

Alarm Clock

Alarm Clock by Rube Goldberg, circa 1970.
Description
Alarm Clock by Rube Goldberg, circa 1970. This non-working, sculpted model signed by Rube Goldberg was crafted [during the 1960s] to replicate a cartoon from the series The Inventions of Professor Lucifer Gorgonzola Butts that he drew for between 1914 and 1964.
Inscription: At 6 a.m. garbage man picks up ashcan, causing mule to kick over statue of Indian warrior. Arrow punctures bucket and ice cubes fall on false teeth, causing them to chatter and nip elephant's tail. Elephant raises his trunk in pain, pressing lever which starts toy maestro to lead quartet in sad song. Sentimental girl breaks down and cries into flower pot, causing flower to grow and tickle man's feet. He rocks with laughter, starting machine that rings gong and slides sleeper out of bed into slippers on wheels, which propel him into bathroom where cold shower really wakes him up.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
circa 1970
depicted
Butts, Lucifer Gorgonzola
original artist
Goldberg, Rube
ID Number
GA.23502
accession number
1972.289709
catalog number
GA*23502
accession number
289709

Dish

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1923
date used
1936 to 1960s
maker
Beetleware Corporation
ID Number
1984.0331.09
accession number
1984.0331
catalog number
1984.0331.09

Bob Feller

1955 Bowman baseball card #134 featuring Bob Feller.Pitcher Robert Bob Feller (1918-2010) played Major League Baseball for the Cleveland Indians from 1936-1941 and from 1945-1956, with the time in-between spent in military service.
Description (Brief)
1955 Bowman baseball card #134 featuring Bob Feller.
Pitcher Robert Bob Feller (1918-2010) played Major League Baseball for the Cleveland Indians from 1936-1941 and from 1945-1956, with the time in-between spent in military service. Compiling a lifetime record of 266-162 with an E.R.A. of 3.25, Feller led the American League in wins six times.
An eight-time All-Star, the right-handed hurler led the league in strikeouts for seven seasons, throwing three no-hitters in his career. In 1948 he helped lead Cleveland to a World Series championship.
Following his playing days, Feller was named the first President of the Major League Baseball's Players Association (1958.) He was elected into Baseball's Hall of Fame in 1962.
Date made
1955
depicted
Feller, Bob
maker
Topps Company, Inc.
thru person
Rinsland, George
Associated Name
Cleveland Indians
maker
Bowman Gum Inc.
ID Number
CL.310547.032.553
catalog number
310547.32.553
accession number
310547

The Professor (dish washing machine)

Camera-ready pen and ink drawing by Rube Goldberg for his comic invention series The Inventions of Professor Lucifer Gorgonzola Butts.
Description
Camera-ready pen and ink drawing by Rube Goldberg for his comic invention series The Inventions of Professor Lucifer Gorgonzola Butts. Goldberg drew for the series between 1914 and 1964.
Cartoon text: The Professor turns on his think-faucet and dopes out a machine for washing dishes while you are at the movies. When spoiled tomcat (A) discovers he is alone he lets out a yell which scares mouse (B) into jumping into basket (C), causing lever end (D) to rise and pull string (E) which snaps automatic cigar lighter (F). Flame (G) starts fire springler (H). Water runs on dishes (I) and drips into sink (J). Turtle (K), thinking he hears babbling brook babbling, and having no sense of direction, starts wrong way and pulls string (L), which turns on switch (M) that starts electric glow heater (N). Heat ray (O) dries the dishes. If the cat and the turtle get on to your scheme and refuse to cooperate, simply put the dishes on the front porch and pray for rain.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
Undated
original artist
Goldberg, Rube
publisher
King Features Syndicate
ID Number
GA.23488
catalog number
23488
accession number
1972.299186

USA vs. USSR - men's basketball

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1973
photographer
Regan, Ken
ID Number
2014.0112.010
catalog number
2014.0112.010
accession number
2014.0112

The Great International Caledonian Games Held at Jones Woods, New York City, July 1st, 1867 ... 1868

Colored print of Scottish Games. Proof before letters. A ring of spectators, many dressed in kilts with bagpipes, surrounding participants engaged in a variety of games on an open field. Tents in background.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Colored print of Scottish Games. Proof before letters. A ring of spectators, many dressed in kilts with bagpipes, surrounding participants engaged in a variety of games on an open field. Tents in background.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1868
publisher
Kelly & Whitehill
maker
Giles, John Lawrence
printer
Hart, Charles
ID Number
DL.60.2404
catalog number
60.2404
accession number
228146

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New York Knicks

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1975-01-04
depicted (sitter)
Smith, Bobby
Frazier, Walt
photographer
Regan, Ken
ID Number
2014.0112.176
catalog number
2014.0112.176
accession number
2014.0112

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