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.

Date: 1930s

Baseball, signed by the 1935 Pittsburgh Pirates

Baseball signed by the 1935 Pittsburgh Pirates. That year the Pirates finished 88-67, 4th in the National League.Autographs include J.
Description
Baseball signed by the 1935 Pittsburgh Pirates. That year the Pirates finished 88-67, 4th in the National League.
Autographs include J. Honus Wagner; Gus Suhr; Tommy Thevenow; Paul Warner; Ralph Birkofer; Arky Vaughn; Bud Hafey; Tommy Padden; Earl Grace; Cy Blanton; Lloyd Waner; Harry Gumpert ; Waite Hoyt; Aubrey Hoyt; Jim Weaver; Bill Swift; Woody Jensen; Cookie Lavagetto; Floyd Young; Guy Bush; Pie Traynor.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1935
associated institution
Pittsburg Pirates
maker
Anchor Brand
ID Number
CL.310547.138
accession number
310547
catalog number
310547.138

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

Photograph of wheelchair basketball team from St. Albans

Black and white photograph of wheelchair basketball team from St. Albans taken by Ray Werner. Werner was paralyzed below the waist during his World War II service on Guadalcanal in July of 1942. He was sent to a rehabilitation hospital, where sports were used in his treatment.
Description (Brief)
Black and white photograph of wheelchair basketball team from St. Albans taken by Ray Werner. Werner was paralyzed below the waist during his World War II service on Guadalcanal in July of 1942. He was sent to a rehabilitation hospital, where sports were used in his treatment. Werner, a gifted athlete in high school, was a perfect candidate for a new series of rehabilitation programs initiated by the federal government. Wheelchair basketball was the first sport included in these programs, and Werner excelled becoming a pioneer of the sport. He competed in the first Paralympic Games in Rome in 1968 and continued to help disabled veterans, opening a wheelchair repair shop and installing hand controls in cars for drivers with paraplegia.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2016.3137.04
nonaccession number
2016.3137
catalog number
2016.3137.04

Baseball, signed by the 1935 St. Louis Browns

Baseball signed by the 1935 St. Louis Browns.
Description
Baseball signed by the 1935 St. Louis Browns. That season the Browns finished 65-87, 7th in the American League.
Autographs include Rogers Hornsby; Jack Burns; Tom Carey; Lyn Lary; Harlond Clift; Ed Coleman; Sam West; Moose Solters; Rollie Hemsley; Ray Pepper; Beau Bell; Johnny Burnett; Ollie Bejma; Ivy Andrews; Jack Knott; Jim Walkup; Russ Van Atta; Sugar Cain; Fay Thomas; Dick Coffman.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1935
associated institution
St. Louis Browns
maker
Anchor Brand
ID Number
CL.310547.150
accession number
310547
catalog number
310547.150

Baseball, signed by the 1935 Washington Senators

Baseball signed by the 1935 Washington Senators.
Description
Baseball signed by the 1935 Washington Senators. That season the Senators finished 67-86, 6th in the American League.
Autographs include Joe Kuhel; Buddy Myer; Ossie Bluege; Cecil Travis; John Stone; Jake Powell; Heinie Manush; Cliff Bolton; Red Kress; Fred Schulte; Dee Miles; Sammy Holbrook; Earl Whitehill; Bump Hadley; Bobo Newsome; Ed Linke; Jack Russell; Leon Pettit; Bucky Harris.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1935
maker
A. J. Reach Co.
ID Number
CL.310547.114
accession number
CL*310547
catalog number
CL*310547.114

Bergen Evening Record article featuring Ray Werner and the Jersey Wheelers

Bergen Evening Record article featuring Ray Werner and the Jersey Wheelers, Saturday March 27, 1954, 2 pages. Werner is the second from the left in the back row. Ray Werner was paralyzed below the waist during his World War II service on Guadalcanal in July of 1942.
Description (Brief)
Bergen Evening Record article featuring Ray Werner and the Jersey Wheelers, Saturday March 27, 1954, 2 pages. Werner is the second from the left in the back row. Ray Werner was paralyzed below the waist during his World War II service on Guadalcanal in July of 1942. He was sent to a rehabilitation hospital, where sports were used in his treatment. Werner, a gifted athlete in high school, was a perfect candidate for a new series of rehabilitation programs initiated by the federal government. Wheelchair basketball was the first sport included in these programs, and Werner excelled becoming a pioneer of the sport. He competed in the first Paralympic Games in Rome in 1968 and continued to help disabled veterans, opening a wheelchair repair shop and installing hand controls in cars for drivers with paraplegia.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1954
ID Number
2016.3137.08
nonaccession number
2016.3137
catalog number
2016.3137.08

The Sportsman

Hunting themed pinball machine that also works like a slot machine. The table pays out when certain pocket combinations are achieved during play.Currently not on view
Description
Hunting themed pinball machine that also works like a slot machine. The table pays out when certain pocket combinations are achieved during play.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1933-1935
associated date
1934
maker
O.D. Jennings
ID Number
1984.0607.01
accession number
1984.0607
catalog number
1984.0607.01

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

Baseball, signed by the 1936 Boston Red Sox

Baseball signed by the 1936 Boston Red Sox. That season the Red Sox finished 74-80, 6th in the American League.Autographs include Jimmie Foxx; Al Schact; Roger Cramer; Ski.
Description
Baseball signed by the 1936 Boston Red Sox. That season the Red Sox finished 74-80, 6th in the American League.
Autographs include Jimmie Foxx; Al Schact; Roger Cramer; Ski. Melillo; Eric McNair; Billy Werber; Mel Almada; Dusty Cooke; Rick Ferrell; Heinie Manush; John Kroner; Joe Cronin; Wes Ferrell; Lefty Grove; Fritz Ostermueller; Johnny Marcum; Jack Wilson; Rube Walberg.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1936
associated institution
Boston Red Sox
maker
Reach Company
ID Number
CL.310547.161
accession number
310547
catalog number
310547.161

Program for wheelchair basketball game, Jersey Wheelers vs. The Bullova's

Program for wheelchair basketball game, Jersey Wheelers vs. The Bullova's. Werner is the second from the left in the back row. Ray Werner was paralyzed below the waist during his World War II service on Guadalcanal in July of 1942.
Description (Brief)
Program for wheelchair basketball game, Jersey Wheelers vs. The Bullova's. Werner is the second from the left in the back row. Ray Werner was paralyzed below the waist during his World War II service on Guadalcanal in July of 1942. He was sent to a rehabilitation hospital, where sports were used in his treatment. Werner, a gifted athlete in high school, was a perfect candidate for a new series of rehabilitation programs initiated by the federal government. Wheelchair basketball was the first sport included in these programs, and Werner excelled becoming a pioneer of the sport. He competed in the first Paralympic Games in Rome in 1968 and continued to help disabled veterans, opening a wheelchair repair shop and installing hand controls in cars for drivers with paraplegia.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1950
ID Number
2016.3137.07
nonaccession number
2016.3137
catalog number
2016.3137.07

Baseball, signed by the 1935 Boston Braves

Baseball signed by the 1935 Boston Braves.
Description
Baseball signed by the 1935 Boston Braves. That year the Braves finished 38-115, 8th in the National League.
Autographs include Rabbit Maranville; Joe Mowry; Joe Coscarart; Ed Brandt; Buck Jordan; Les Mallon; Huck Betts; Fred Frankhouse; Elbie Fletcher; Ray Mueller; Rany Moore; Hal See; Al Spohrer; Ben Cantwell; Billy Urbanski; Wally Berger; Bob Brown; Danny MacFayden; Bob Smith; Tommy Thompson; Harry Gowdey.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1935
associated institution
Boston Braves
maker
Anchor Brand
ID Number
CL.310547.143
accession number
310547
catalog number
310547.143

Bob Feller Pin

White metal pin featuring Cleveland Indians pitcher Bob Feller. The pin is part of the 1938 Our National Game series.
Description (Brief)
White metal pin featuring Cleveland Indians pitcher Bob Feller. The pin is part of the 1938 Our National Game series. The pin originally was affixed to a cardboard backing.
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.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1938
depicted
Feller, Bob
Associated Name
Cleveland Indians
ID Number
1982.0566.24
catalog number
1982.0566.24
accession number
1982.0566

Jesse Owens and Frank Wykoff

Press print; wire photo; Jesse Owens and Frank Wykoff working out in Olympic Village during 1936 Berlin OlympicsCurrently not on view
Description (Brief)
Press print; wire photo; Jesse Owens and Frank Wykoff working out in Olympic Village during 1936 Berlin Olympics
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1936
ID Number
2015.0074.0094
accession number
2015.0074
catalog number
2015.0074.0094

Baseball, signed by the 1931 New York Yankees and Jack Dempsey

Baseball signed by the 1931 New York Yankees. That season the Yankees finished 94-59, 2nd in the American League.
Description
Baseball signed by the 1931 New York Yankees. That season the Yankees finished 94-59, 2nd in the American League. The ball is also signed by American boxing legend Jack Dempsey (1895-1983).
Autographs include Jack Dempsey; Babe Ruth; Lou Gehrig; Tony Lazzeri; Lyn Lary; Joe Sewell; Earle Combs; Ben Chapman; Bill Dickey; Samuel Byrd; Jimmie Reese; Lefty Gomez; Red Ruffing; Hank Johnson; Herb Pennock; George Pipgras; Ed Wells; Roy Sherid.
(The ball has been incorrectly marked by a collector as having been from 1934. However, the ball is signed by Roy Sherid, whose last year as a Yankee was 1931. Among the other players who signed, Jimmie Reese, Herb Pennock, George Pipgrass and Ed Wells were not on the team in 1934. )
date made
1931
associated institution
New York Yankees
signer
Ruth, Babe
Gehrig, Lou
Dempsey, Jack
ID Number
CL.310547.122
accession number
310547
catalog number
310547.122

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

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1932
ID Number
2016.3176.02
nonaccession number
2016.3176
catalog number
2016.3176.02

Baseball, signed by the 1935 Philadelphia Athletics

Baseball signed by the 1935 Philadelphia Athletics.
Description
Baseball signed by the 1935 Philadelphia Athletics. That season, the A's finished 58-91, 8th in the American League.
Autographs include Connie Mack; Jimmie Foxx; Roger Cramer; Skeeter Newsome; Wally Moses; Rabbit Warstler; Eric McNair; Pinky Higgins; Bob Johnson; Paul Richards; Lou Finney; Charlie Berry; Johnny Marcum; Bill Dietrich; George Blaeholder; Whitey Wilshere; Roy Mahaffey.
Cornelius Alexander McGillicuddy, better known as Connie Mack, played major league baseball from 1886-1896. In 1901 he was named manager of the Philadelphia Athletics, a position he would hold for 50 years. During his tenure he became the sport's all-time winningest manager, accumulating 3,776 victories. With Mack at the helm, the A's won 9 American League pennants and 5 World Series Championships.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1935
associated institution
Philadelphia Athletics
maker
Davega Sports
ID Number
CL.310547.128
accession number
310547
catalog number
310547.128

Jesse Owens

wirephoto of Jesse Owens crossing finish line during event at 1936 Berlin OlympicsCurrently not on view
Description (Brief)
wirephoto of Jesse Owens crossing finish line during event at 1936 Berlin Olympics
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1936
ID Number
2015.0074.0093
accession number
2015.0074
catalog number
2015.0074.0093

Duncan Genuine Yo-Yo

This wooden yo-yo was made by the Duncan Toys Company in the 1930s. It has a green design with a broad red stripe. The seal reads “Genuine Duncan Yo-Yo, Reg.
Description (Brief)
This wooden yo-yo was made by the Duncan Toys Company in the 1930s. It has a green design with a broad red stripe. The seal reads “Genuine Duncan Yo-Yo, Reg. US Pat.” This was an early version of the Duncan Genuine Yo-Yo, produced soon after Donald Duncan bought the trademark term “yo-yo” from inventor Pedro Flores. This yo-yo's seal is reminiscent of the one used by Flores.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1930s
maker
Duncan
ID Number
2002.0246.17
accession number
2002.0246
catalog number
2002.0246.17

Plate

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1923
date made
ca 1936
patent date
1923-06-12
date used
1936 to 1960s
maker
Beetleware Corporation
ID Number
1984.0331.01
accession number
1984.0331
catalog number
1984.0331.01

Photograph featuring Joe Louis and Max Baer

Black and white photograph of the pre fight weigh in between Joe Louis and Max Baer, September 24, 1935.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Black and white photograph of the pre fight weigh in between Joe Louis and Max Baer, September 24, 1935.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1935
depicted
Louis, Joe
ID Number
2017.3021.104
nonaccession number
2017.3021
catalog number
2017.3021.104

Duncan Diablo Spinner

This wooden spinner toy was made by the Duncan Toys Company in the 1930s. Shaped like a bow-tie, one half is painted red and the other half white.
Description (Brief)
This wooden spinner toy was made by the Duncan Toys Company in the 1930s. Shaped like a bow-tie, one half is painted red and the other half white. It is stamped with a seal that reads “Duncan Diablo.” Commonly, diablo toys are usually larger and employ two strings: this example operates more along the lines of a yo-yo .
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1930s
maker
Duncan
ID Number
2002.0246.57
accession number
2002.0246
catalog number
2002.0246.57

Baseball, signed by the 1937 New York Yankees

Baseball signed by the 1937 New York Yankees.
Description
Baseball signed by the 1937 New York Yankees. That season the Yankees finished 102-25, defeating the New York Giants 4 games to 1 to win the World Series.
Autographs include Joe DiMaggio; Lou Gehrig; Tony Lazzeri; Lefty Gomez; Frankie Crosetti; Red Rolfe; Myril Hoag; Jake Powell; Bill Dickey; George Selkirk; Tommy Henrich; Don Heffner; Red Ruffing; Bump Hadley; Monte Pearson; Johnny Murphy; Pat Malone; Kemp WIcker; Spud Chandler; Frank Makosky.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1937
signer
DiMaggio, Joe
Gehrig, Lou
Lazzeri, Tony
Gomez, Lefty
maker
A. J. Reach Co.
ID Number
CL.310547.123
accession number
310547
catalog number
310547.123

Photograph of wheelchair basketball player Ray Werner of the Jersey Wheelers

Black and white photograph of wheelchair basketball player Ray Werner of the Jersey Wheelers. Ray Werner was paralyzed below the waist during his World War II service on Guadalcanal in July of 1942.
Description (Brief)
Black and white photograph of wheelchair basketball player Ray Werner of the Jersey Wheelers. Ray Werner was paralyzed below the waist during his World War II service on Guadalcanal in July of 1942. He was sent to a rehabilitation hospital, where sports were used in his treatment. Werner, a gifted athlete in high school, was a perfect candidate for a new series of rehabilitation programs initiated by the federal government. Wheelchair basketball was the first sport included in these programs, and Werner excelled becoming a pioneer of the sport. He competed in the first Paralympic Games in Rome in 1968 and continued to help disabled veterans, opening a wheelchair repair shop and installing hand controls in cars for drivers with paraplegia.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2016.3137.02
nonaccession number
2016.3137
catalog number
2016.3137.02

Baseball, signed by the 1935 Brooklyn Dodgers

Baseball signed by the 1935 Brooklyn Dodgers.
Description
Baseball signed by the 1935 Brooklyn Dodgers. That season the Dodgers finished 70-83, 5th in the National League.
Autographs include Casey Stengel; Sam Leslie; Tony Cuccinello; Lonny Frey; Joe Stripp; Buzz Boyle; Frenchy Bordagaray; Danny Taylor; Al Lopez; Jim Bucher; Len Koenecke; Jimmy Jordan; Babe Phelps; Van Mungo; Watty Clark; George Earnshaw; Tom Zachary; Johnny Babich; Dutch Leonard; Ray Benge.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1935
associated institution
Brooklyn Dodgers
Associated Name
Stengel, Casey
maker
Davega Sports
ID Number
CL.310547.153
accession number
310547
catalog number
310547.153

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