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.

Culture: African Americans

HoodWood Skates Hellcat skateboard sticker

Skateboard sticker is white with an orange and black hellcat design in the center. The hellcat was created by Raith Grimes of HoodWood Skates. Marty Grimes was the first Black professional skateboarder along with his brother Clyde.
Description (Brief)
Skateboard sticker is white with an orange and black hellcat design in the center. The hellcat was created by Raith Grimes of HoodWood Skates. Marty Grimes was the first Black professional skateboarder along with his brother Clyde. In 1976, after the Del Mar Nationals, Jay Adams got Marty onto the EZ Ryder team that Jay’s stepfather had started after Jay left the Zephyr team. EZ Ryder then turned into Z Flex and Grimes was the first African American to have a pro model deck.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2022.0064.04.2
accession number
2022.0064
catalog number
2022.0064.04.2

Black American Racers crew team patch for the 1977-1978 racing season

Black American Racers crew team patch for the 1977-1978 racing season. This new design used in the late 1970s eliminated the original design that incorporated the red, yellow and black of the Black Nationalist theme of the early 70s.
Description (Brief)
Black American Racers crew team patch for the 1977-1978 racing season. This new design used in the late 1970s eliminated the original design that incorporated the red, yellow and black of the Black Nationalist theme of the early 70s. Tommy Thompson was the driver for BAR featuring this design.
In 1969, Len Miller and his brother Dexter for Miller Racing to race hot rods on the drag racing circuit in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and the Northeast. With success on the racetrack he formed Vanguard Racing in 1972 and was the first African American to enter a car in the Indianapolis 500. He then went on to found the Black American Racers Association in 1973. The goal of the organization was to “unify African-American drivers in all types of racing – stock car, open wheel, and drag racing -- pave the way for greater success and introduce race fans to African-American’s history in motorsports.”
Later that same year the Black American Racers, Inc. (BAR) was formed with Benny Scott as their second generation African-American driver. Also in 1973, BAR became the first team to have an African American driver compete in England. In 1975, BAR driver Benny Scott would break the color barrier at the Long Beach Grand Prix, when the team entered a Formula 5000 car in the inaugural race. Len and Benny Scott were inducted into the Black Athletes Hall of Fame for their achievements in motorsports in 1976. In 1978, BAR experienced a setback when their driver Tommy Thompson was killed in an accident at the Trenton Speedway. Many of the team members took a break after this tragedy and in the 1980s the team turned toward stock car racing.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1977
ID Number
2016.3189.07
nonaccession number
2016.3189
catalog number
2016.3189.07

Miller Racing Group, Inc. team crew cap worn by co-owner Leonard W. Miller

Miller Racing Group, Inc. (MRG) team crew cap worn by co-owner Leonard W. Miller is a white baseball cap with the Miller Racing Group logo on the front. The patch graphics represent an African American driver denoted by the black handgrip on the steering wheel.
Description (Brief)
Miller Racing Group, Inc. (MRG) team crew cap worn by co-owner Leonard W. Miller is a white baseball cap with the Miller Racing Group logo on the front. The patch graphics represent an African American driver denoted by the black handgrip on the steering wheel. This cap was worn at public relation events around the country from 2003-2006. Miller Racing Group was an African American racing team owned by father and son Leonard W. and Leonard T. Miller. MRG was sponsored by Dr. Pepper from 2001-2003 and delivered Dr. Pepper its first corporate win in the brand's history. The team competed in the NASCAR Late Model Stock Weekly Racing Series throughout the southeast. After the 2003 season, the Millers did not have a corporate sponsor for MRG and sustained the team with their personal funds and resources.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
2003
user
Miller, Leonard W.
ID Number
2016.0308.02
accession number
2016.0308
catalog number
2016.0308.02

Baseball glove, used by Rickey Henderson, Oakland A's

Black leather baseball glove used by outfielder Rickey Henderson (b.1958.) as a member of the Oakland A's. Autographed by Henderson in silver ink on top of thumb.Rickey Henderson (b.1958) played Major League Baseball for the Oakland Athletics (1979-1984, 1989-1993.
Description
Black leather baseball glove used by outfielder Rickey Henderson (b.1958.) as a member of the Oakland A's. Autographed by Henderson in silver ink on top of thumb.
Rickey Henderson (b.1958) played Major League Baseball for the Oakland Athletics (1979-1984, 1989-1993. 1994-1995, 1998,) New York Yankees (1985-1989,) Toronto Blue Jays (1993,) San Diego Padres (1996-1997,) Boston Red Sox (2002) and Los Angeles Dodgers (2003.) Henderson set Major League career records for stolen bases, 1,406 and runs, 2,295.
Batting right, but throwing left, Henderson primarily played left field and batted leadoff. He compiled a lifetime .279 batting average with 3,055 hits, 297 home runs and 1,115 runs batted in. A 10-time All-Star, Henderson won the American League most valuable player award in 1990. He was twice a World Series champion, in 1989 (Athletics) and 1993 (Blue Jays.)
Henderson was elected into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2007.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1990
Associated Name
Henderson, Rickey
Oakland Athletics
maker
Rawlings
ID Number
2017.0334.09
catalog number
2017.0334.09
accession number
2017.0334

Baseball Bat used by Tony Gwynn, San Diego Padres

Baseball bat used by San Diego Padres outfielder Tony Gwynn. Gwynn autograph on the barrel.Outfielder Anthony Tony Gwynn (1960-2014) played Major League Baseball for the San Diego Padres from 1960-2014.
Description
Baseball bat used by San Diego Padres outfielder Tony Gwynn. Gwynn autograph on the barrel.
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
Associated Name
Gwynn, Tony
San Diego Padres
maker
Louisville Slugger
ID Number
2017.0334.06
catalog number
2017.0334.06
accession number
2017.0334

ID badge for Leonard W. Miller

Identification badge for Leonard W. Miller as a team member of Gelles Racing in 2006. In 1969, Len Miller and his brother Dexter for Miller Racing to race hot rods on the drag racing circuit in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and the Northeast.
Description (Brief)
Identification badge for Leonard W. Miller as a team member of Gelles Racing in 2006. In 1969, Len Miller and his brother Dexter for Miller Racing to race hot rods on the drag racing circuit in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and the Northeast. With success on the racetrack he formed Vanguard Racing in 1972 and was the first African American to enter a car in the Indianapolis 500. He then went on to found the Black American Racers Association in 1973. The goal of the organization was to “unify African-American drivers in all types of racing – stock car, open wheel, and drag racing -- pave the way for greater success and introduce race fans to African-American’s history in motorsports.”
Later that same year the Black American Racers, Inc. (BAR) was formed with Benny Scott as their second generation African-American driver. Also in 1973, BAR became the first team to have an African American driver compete in England. In 1975, BAR driver Benny Scott would break the color barrier at the Long Beach Grand Prix, when the team entered a Formula 5000 car in the inaugural race. Len and Benny Scott were inducted into the Black Athletes Hall of Fame for their achievements in motorsports in 1976. In 1978, BAR experienced a setback when their driver Tommy Thompson was killed in an accident at the Trenton Speedway. Many of the team members took a break after this tragedy and in the 1980s the team turned toward stock car racing.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2016.3189.20
nonaccession number
2016.3189
catalog number
2016.3189.20

Leonard T. Miller's business card as the President of the Miller Racing Group Inc.

Leonard T. Miller's business card as the President of the Miller Racing Group Inc. is white with the Miller Racing Group logo on the left side and Miller's business contact information on the right.
Description (Brief)
Leonard T. Miller's business card as the President of the Miller Racing Group Inc. is white with the Miller Racing Group logo on the left side and Miller's business contact information on the right. Miller Racing Group was an African American racing team owned by father and son Leonard W. and Leonard T. Miller. MRG was sponsored by Dr. Pepper from 2001-2003 and delivered Dr. Pepper its first corporate win in the brand's history. The team competed in the NASCAR Late Model Stock Weekly Racing Series throughout the southeast. After the 2003 season, the Millers did not have a corporate sponsor for MRG and sustained the team with their personal funds and resources.
Location
Currently not on view
user
Miller, Leonard T.
ID Number
2016.0308.11
accession number
2016.0308
catalog number
2016.0308.11

Black American Racers team decal for the 1974-1975 racing season

Black American Racers team decal for the 1974-1975 racing season. This decal was worn by team personnel and the team driver.
Description (Brief)
Black American Racers team decal for the 1974-1975 racing season. This decal was worn by team personnel and the team driver. The red, black and green are Black Nationalist colors that were integrated into the decal to exhibit the pride in the Miller's African American heritage that was popular in the 1970s. In 1969, Len Miller and his brother Dexter for Miller Racing to race hot rods on the drag racing circuit in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and the Northeast. With success on the racetrack he formed Vanguard Racing in 1972 and was the first African American to enter a car in the Indianapolis 500. He then went on to found the Black American Racers Association in 1973. The goal of the organization was to “unify African-American drivers in all types of racing – stock car, open wheel, and drag racing -- pave the way for greater success and introduce race fans to African-American’s history in motorsports.”
Later that same year the Black American Racers, Inc. (BAR) was formed with Benny Scott as their second generation African-American driver. Also in 1973, BAR became the first team to have an African American driver compete in England. In 1975, BAR driver Benny Scott would break the color barrier at the Long Beach Grand Prix, when the team entered a Formula 5000 car in the inaugural race. Len and Benny Scott were inducted into the Black Athletes Hall of Fame for their achievements in motorsports in 1976. In 1978, BAR experienced a setback when their driver Tommy Thompson was killed in an accident at the Trenton Speedway. Many of the team members took a break after this tragedy and in the 1980s the team turned toward stock car racing.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1974
ID Number
2016.3189.06.2
nonaccession number
2016.3189
catalog number
2016.3189.06.2

Competition license for Leonard W. Miller, president and owner of the Black American Racers team, 1974

Competition license for Leonard W. Miller, president and owner of the Black American Racers team for the 1974 season. Miller was the president and owner of the Black American racers team. This license was used for BAR Formula Super Vee competition.
Description (Brief)
Competition license for Leonard W. Miller, president and owner of the Black American Racers team for the 1974 season. Miller was the president and owner of the Black American racers team. This license was used for BAR Formula Super Vee competition. His driver was a second generation African American, Benny Scott from Los Angeles.
In 1969, Len Miller and his brother Dexter for Miller Racing to race hot rods on the drag racing circuit in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and the Northeast. With success on the racetrack he formed Vanguard Racing in 1972 and was the first African American to enter a car in the Indianapolis 500. He then went on to found the Black American Racers Association in 1973. The goal of the organization was to “unify African-American drivers in all types of racing – stock car, open wheel, and drag racing -- pave the way for greater success and introduce race fans to African-American’s history in motorsports.”
Later that same year the Black American Racers, Inc. (BAR) was formed with Benny Scott as their second generation African-American driver. Also in 1973, BAR became the first team to have an African American driver compete in England. In 1975, BAR driver Benny Scott would break the color barrier at the Long Beach Grand Prix, when the team entered a Formula 5000 car in the inaugural race. Len and Benny Scott were inducted into the Black Athletes Hall of Fame for their achievements in motorsports in 1976. In 1978, BAR experienced a setback when their driver Tommy Thompson was killed in an accident at the Trenton Speedway. Many of the team members took a break after this tragedy and in the 1980s the team turned toward stock car racing.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2016.3189.14.2
nonaccession number
2016.3189
catalog number
2016.3189.14.2

Driver's suit worn by Indy car driver John Mahler during the 1979-1980 season

Driver's suit worn by Indy car driver John Mahler during the 1979-1980 season. Mahler was a driver for Leonard W. Miller's Vanguard Racing, Inc. in 1972 and a team mate to Vanguard's African American driver, Benny Scott.
Description (Brief)
Driver's suit worn by Indy car driver John Mahler during the 1979-1980 season. Mahler was a driver for Leonard W. Miller's Vanguard Racing, Inc. in 1972 and a team mate to Vanguard's African American driver, Benny Scott. Mahler, a white driver, competed in the 1972 Indianapolis 500 as the driver for Vanguard Inc. making Vanguard the first African American owned team to enter a car in the Indianapolis 500. Vanguard Racing Inc. would reorganize as Black American Racers Inc., an African American auto racing team founded in 1973 by Leonard W. Miller, Wendell Scott, Ron Hines and Malcolm Durham, who were members of the Black American Racers Association (BARA). The goal of BARA was to organize African-American drivers, mechanics, engineers, crew members and owners in stock car, open wheel and drag racing, and pave the way for greater success for African Americans in motor sports.
Location
Currently not on view
user
Mahler, John
ID Number
2016.0353.01
accession number
2016.0353
catalog number
2016.0353.01

Miller Racing Group, Inc. Late Model Stock Car event winner trophy at Old Dominion Speedway, 2005

Miller Racing Group, Inc. Late Model Stock Car event winner trophy at Old Dominion Speedway, 2005. This is one of many winner's trophies won by The Miller Racing Group with Franklin Butler III as their driver.
Description (Brief)
Miller Racing Group, Inc. Late Model Stock Car event winner trophy at Old Dominion Speedway, 2005. This is one of many winner's trophies won by The Miller Racing Group with Franklin Butler III as their driver. This was the year MRG won the track championship which was the first time an African American owned team won a NASCAR track championship since NASCAR's inception in 1948.
Miller Racing Group was an African American racing team owned by father and son Leonard W. and Leonard T. Miller. MRG was sponsored by Dr. Pepper from 2001-2003 and delivered Dr. Pepper its first corporate win in the brand's history. The team competed in the NASCAR Late Model Stock Weekly Racing Series throughout the southeast. After the 2003 season, the Millers did not have a corporate sponsor for MRG and sustained the team with their personal funds and resources.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
2005
user
Miller, Leonard W.
ID Number
2016.0359.04
accession number
2016.0359
catalog number
2016.0359.04

Philadelphia Association of Black Sports and Culture Legends award given to Leonard W. Miller, 2014

Philadelphia Association of Black Sports and Culture Legends award given to Leonard W. Miller, 2014. This Legends Award was given to Leonard W. Miller for his accomplishments in auto racing as a pioneering race team owner of the Black American Racers Inc.
Description (Brief)
Philadelphia Association of Black Sports and Culture Legends award given to Leonard W. Miller, 2014. This Legends Award was given to Leonard W. Miller for his accomplishments in auto racing as a pioneering race team owner of the Black American Racers Inc. The PABSC included Miller in the Class of 2014 among other sports icons that were born in Philadelphia. It was presented to him in Philadelphia on September 28, 2014.
In 1969, Len Miller and his brother Dexter for Miller Racing to race hot rods on the drag racing circuit in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and the Northeast. With success on the racetrack he formed Vanguard Racing in 1972 and was the first African American to enter a car in the Indianapolis 500. He then went on to found the Black American Racers Association in 1973. The goal of the organization was to “unify African-American drivers in all types of racing – stock car, open wheel, and drag racing -- pave the way for greater success and introduce race fans to African-American’s history in motorsports.”
Later that same year the Black American Racers, Inc. (BAR) was formed with Benny Scott as their second generation African-American driver. Also in 1973, BAR became the first team to have an African American driver compete in England. In 1975, BAR driver Benny Scott would break the color barrier at the Long Beach Grand Prix, when the team entered a Formula 5000 car in the inaugural race. Len and Benny Scott were inducted into the Black Athletes Hall of Fame for their achievements in motorsports in 1976. In 1978, BAR experienced a setback when their driver Tommy Thompson was killed in an accident at the Trenton Speedway. Many of the team members took a break after this tragedy and in the 1980s the team turned toward stock car racing.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
2014
user
Miller, Leonard W.
ID Number
2016.0359.11
accession number
2016.0359
catalog number
2016.0359.11

HoodWood Skates OG Panther skateboard sticker

HoodWood Skates OG Panther skateboard sticker is white with a black line drawing of a panther draped across a circle with "Hood [/] Wood" in the center.
Description (Brief)
HoodWood Skates OG Panther skateboard sticker is white with a black line drawing of a panther draped across a circle with "Hood [/] Wood" in the center. The panther design was orginally created by Angela Grimes for Marty's debut as a professional skateboarder and this particular design was recreated by Raith Grimes. Marty Grimes was the first Black professional skateboarder along with his brother Clyde. In 1976, after the Del Mar Nationals, Jay Adams got Marty onto the EZ Ryder team that Jay’s stepfather had started after Jay left the Zephyr team. EZ Ryder then turned into Z Flex and Grimes was the first African American to have a pro model deck.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2022.0064.04.5
accession number
2022.0064
catalog number
2022.0064.04.5

Baseball from Tony Gwynn's 1,000th hit, San Diego Padres

San Diego Padres outfielder Tony Gwynn hit this baseball to achieve his 1,000th career hit. Gwynn inscribed the ball to commorate his achievement.
Description
San Diego Padres outfielder Tony Gwynn hit this baseball to achieve his 1,000th career hit. Gwynn inscribed the ball to commorate his achievement. The game was a 3-1 victory over the Houston Astros held on April 22, 1988.
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
ca 1988
Associated Name
Gwynn, Tony
San Diego Padres
maker
Rawlings
ID Number
2017.0334.05
catalog number
2017.0334.05
accession number
2017.0334

NASCAR, Old Dominion Speedway, Dodge Weekly Series, Late Model Stock Division Championship Trophy in NASCAR's Division III, 2005

NASCAR, Old Dominion Speedway, Dodge Weekly Series, Late Model Stock Division Championship Trophy in NASCAR's Division III, 2005. The Dodge Weekly Series was a points championship for NASCAR sanctioned local racetracks around the United States and Canada.
Description (Brief)
NASCAR, Old Dominion Speedway, Dodge Weekly Series, Late Model Stock Division Championship Trophy in NASCAR's Division III, 2005. The Dodge Weekly Series was a points championship for NASCAR sanctioned local racetracks around the United States and Canada. Late Model Stock was the premier division in the series.
The 2005 Division Championship Trophy was won by driver, Franklin Butler III (Caucasian), with African American owned NASCAR team, Miller Racing Group, Inc. (MRG) at the Old Dominion Speedway, Manassas, Virginia. MRG outperformed 22 team's and drivers. The MRG stock car was a 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo with the number 07. MRG, owned by Leonard W. Miller (father), and Leonard T. Miller (son), were unsponsored. The Millers underpinned the team from their personal finances from 2004 - 2006 that escalated into the mid-six figures. MRG won the first championship by a solely owned, African American, father-and-son team in the history of NASCAR. The trophy was presented to Franklin Butler III and the Millers at the 2005 Old Dominion Speedway, NASCAR Dodge Weekly Racing Series Banquet, on January 28, 2006 at the Prince William Fairgrounds Commerce Building in Manassas, Virginia amongst a semi-formal dressed crowd of over 400.
Miller Racing Group was an African American racing team owned by father and son Leonard W. and Leonard T. Miller. MRG was sponsored by Dr. Pepper from 2001-2003 and delivered Dr. Pepper its first corporate win in the brand's history. The team competed in the NASCAR Late Model Stock Weekly Racing Series throughout the southeast. After the 2003 season, the Millers did not have a corporate sponsor for MRG and sustained the team with their personal funds and resources.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
2005
used
Miller, Leonard W.
ID Number
2016.0359.06
accession number
2016.0359
catalog number
2016.0359.06

Miller Racing Group, Inc. Late Model Stock Car event winner trophy at Old Dominion Speedway, 2005

Miller Racing Group, Inc. Late Model Stock Car event winner trophy at Old Dominion Speedway, 2005. This is one of many winner's trophies won by The Miller Racing Group with Franklin Butler III as their driver.
Description (Brief)
Miller Racing Group, Inc. Late Model Stock Car event winner trophy at Old Dominion Speedway, 2005. This is one of many winner's trophies won by The Miller Racing Group with Franklin Butler III as their driver. This was the year MRG won the track championship which was the first time an African American owned team won a NASCAR track championship since NASCAR's inception in 1948.
Miller Racing Group was an African American racing team owned by father and son Leonard W. and Leonard T. Miller. MRG was sponsored by Dr. Pepper from 2001-2003 and delivered Dr. Pepper its first corporate win in the brand's history. The team competed in the NASCAR Late Model Stock Weekly Racing Series throughout the southeast. After the 2003 season, the Millers did not have a corporate sponsor for MRG and sustained the team with their personal funds and resources.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
2006
2005
user
Miller, Leonard W.
ID Number
2016.0359.03
accession number
2016.0359
catalog number
2016.0359.03

Baseball signed by Satchel Paige

With a professional baseball career lasting from the jazz age to the space age, Pitcher Leroy Robert SatchelPaige (1906-1982) established himself not only as one of the most dominant American athletes of all time, but also one of the most remarkable.Paige earned the nickname "Sat
Description
With a professional baseball career lasting from the jazz age to the space age, Pitcher Leroy Robert SatchelPaige (1906-1982) established himself not only as one of the most dominant American athletes of all time, but also one of the most remarkable.
Paige earned the nickname "Satchel" as a boy, earning money carrying passenger's bags at the train station in his hometown of Mobile, Alabama. Sent to the Industrial School for Negro Children in Mount Meigs at the age of 12 for a the minor offense of stealing some toy rings from a store, Paige worked on his baseball skills until his release just before his 18th birthday.
In 1924, Paige earned his first professional paycheck, pitching for the semi-professional outfit team the Mobile Tigers. 6' 3 and lanky, Paige dominated the opposition, and was signed to the Negro Southern League's Chattanooga Black Lookouts in 1927.
Paige thus began his lengthy and nomadic professional baseball career. Records for the various Negro League Organizations are scare scarce and incomplete, but we know that between 1926 and 1947 Paige played for the Lookouts, the Birmingham Black Barons, the Baltimore Black Sox, The Cleveland Cubs, The Pittsburgh Crawfords, The Kansas City Monarchs, The New York Black Yankees, the Memphis Red Sox and the Philadelphia Stars. He also moonlighted in other exhibition games, winter leagues and for a variety of barnstorming teams.
Paige was beloved not only for his dominance on the mound, but for his enthusiasm and cocksure personality. He loved to impress the crowd, striking out batters with speed and control. One of the more famous clubs for which Paige excelled was the 1942 Kansas City Monarchs, who won the Negro League World Series. The team, managed by Frank Duncan, and led Paige Buck O'Neil, is considered one of the most talented teams in Negro League history. As O'Neil has said of the club, "I do believe we could have given the New York Yankees a run for their money that year."
Paige finally got his chance to pitch before Major League audiences in 1948, two years after Jackie Robinson broke baseball's color barrier with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Signed mid-season by the Cleveland Indians, the living legend and oldest rookie in Major League history (42) set attendance records in Cleveland and Chicago on his first three starts.
Paige went 6-1 with the Indians, helping the team reach the World Series, where, called to the mound in game 5, he became the first African-American to pitch in a Major League Championship game. The Indians would take the title, defeating the Braves four games to two.
After pitching for Cleveland for another year, Paige briefly left Major League Baseball, barnstorming for a couple of years before returning to the Majors in 1951, signing with the St. Louis Browns and being named to two All-Star teams.
After leaving the Browns in 1953, Paige continued to pitch for barnstorming teams and in the minor leagues. Paige's last major league appearance was in 1965, where at 59, Paige played one game for the Kansas City A's, throwing threw three shut-out innings against the Boston Red Sox.
Paige's last turns on the mound came in 1967, pitching for the Indianapolis Clown, the last all-black baseball club. By his own estimation, he had pitched in about 2,500 games before finally putting down his glove for good.
Despite his popularity, success and lengthy career, Paige's true legacy has been lost due to the racial inequities that burdened his life. It is a true testament to his abilities and work ethic that he was able to become a living legend despite being forced to play outside of the Major Leagues for the majority of his career, as well as having to do so while facing wide-ranging discriminatory practices and bigotry. As he said himself in a 1982, the year of his death, They said I was the greatest pitcher they ever saw... I couldn't understand why they couldn't give me no justice.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1971 - 1982
Associated Name
Paige, Satchel
maker
Wilson Sporting Goods Company
ID Number
2017.0334.18
catalog number
2017.0334.18
accession number
2017.0334

Black American Racers team decal from the 1974-1975 racing season

Black American Racers team decal from the 1974-1975 racing season. The red, black and green are Black Nationalist colors that were integrated into the decal to exhibit the pride in the Miller's African American heritage that was popular in the 1970s.
Description (Brief)
Black American Racers team decal from the 1974-1975 racing season. The red, black and green are Black Nationalist colors that were integrated into the decal to exhibit the pride in the Miller's African American heritage that was popular in the 1970s. Viceroy, a cigarette brand of the Brown & Williamson Tobacco Company was the primary sponsor of BAR. This decal was displayed on BAR's Formula Super Vee and Formula 5000 race cars.
In 1969, Len Miller and his brother Dexter for Miller Racing to race hot rods on the drag racing circuit in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and the Northeast. With success on the racetrack he formed Vanguard Racing in 1972 and was the first African American to enter a car in the Indianapolis 500. He then went on to found the Black American Racers Association in 1973. The goal of the organization was to “unify African-American drivers in all types of racing – stock car, open wheel, and drag racing -- pave the way for greater success and introduce race fans to African-American’s history in motorsports.”
Later that same year the Black American Racers, Inc. (BAR) was formed with Benny Scott as their second generation African-American driver. Also in 1973, BAR became the first team to have an African American driver compete in England. In 1975, BAR driver Benny Scott would break the color barrier at the Long Beach Grand Prix, when the team entered a Formula 5000 car in the inaugural race. Len and Benny Scott were inducted into the Black Athletes Hall of Fame for their achievements in motorsports in 1976.
In 1978, BAR experienced a setback when their driver Tommy Thompson was killed in an accident at the Trenton Speedway. Many of the team members took a break after this tragedy and in the 1980s the team turned toward stock car racing.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1974
ID Number
2016.3189.02
nonaccession number
2016.3189
catalog number
2016.3189.02

Special Olympics sports card featuring Lynette Foeman in basketball

Special Olympics sports card featuring Lynette Foeman of Virginia in basketball.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 opp
Description (Brief)
Special Olympics sports card featuring Lynette Foeman of Virginia in basketball.
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
2018.3010.355
nonaccession number
2018.3010
catalog number
2018.3010.355

Black American Racers team patch for the 1977-1978 racing season

Black American Racers team patch for the 1977-1978 racing season. This new design used in the late 1970s eliminated the original design that incorporated the red, yellow and black of the Black Nationalist theme of the early 70s.
Description (Brief)
Black American Racers team patch for the 1977-1978 racing season. This new design used in the late 1970s eliminated the original design that incorporated the red, yellow and black of the Black Nationalist theme of the early 70s. Tommy Thompson was the driver for BAR featuring this design.
In 1969, Len Miller and his brother Dexter for Miller Racing to race hot rods on the drag racing circuit in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and the Northeast. With success on the racetrack he formed Vanguard Racing in 1972 and was the first African American to enter a car in the Indianapolis 500. He then went on to found the Black American Racers Association in 1973. The goal of the organization was to “unify African-American drivers in all types of racing – stock car, open wheel, and drag racing -- pave the way for greater success and introduce race fans to African-American’s history in motorsports.”
Later that same year the Black American Racers, Inc. (BAR) was formed with Benny Scott as their second generation African-American driver. Also in 1973, BAR became the first team to have an African American driver compete in England. In 1975, BAR driver Benny Scott would break the color barrier at the Long Beach Grand Prix, when the team entered a Formula 5000 car in the inaugural race. Len and Benny Scott were inducted into the Black Athletes Hall of Fame for their achievements in motorsports in 1976. In 1978, BAR experienced a setback when their driver Tommy Thompson was killed in an accident at the Trenton Speedway. Many of the team members took a break after this tragedy and in the 1980s the team turned toward stock car racing.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1977
ID Number
2016.3189.09.2
nonaccession number
2016.3189
catalog number
2016.3189.09.2

Nomex hood worn by Indy car driver John Mahler during the 1979-1980 season

Nomex hood worn by Indy car driver John Mahler during the 1979-1980 season. The nomex hood is white with long neck and a face opening with reinforced stitching and is to be worn under the driver's helmet. "Simpson" tag stitched at the bottom of the hood.
Description (Brief)
Nomex hood worn by Indy car driver John Mahler during the 1979-1980 season. The nomex hood is white with long neck and a face opening with reinforced stitching and is to be worn under the driver's helmet. "Simpson" tag stitched at the bottom of the hood. Mahler was a driver for Leonard W. Miller's Vanguard Racing, Inc. in 1972 and a team mate to Vanguard's African American driver, Benny Scott. Mahler, a white driver, competed in the 1972 Indianapolis 500 as the driver for Vanguard Inc. making Vanguard the first African American owned team to enter a car in the Indianapolis 500. Vanguard Racing Inc. would reorganize as Black American Racers Inc., an African American auto racing team founded in 1973 by Leonard W. Miller, Wendell Scott, Ron Hines and Malcolm Durham, who were members of the Black American Racers Association (BARA). The goal of BARA was to organize African-American drivers, mechanics, engineers, crew members and owners in stock car, open wheel and drag racing, and pave the way for greater success for African Americans in motor sports.
Location
Currently not on view
user
Mahler, John
ID Number
2016.0353.04.4
accession number
2016.0353
catalog number
2016.0353.04.4

Miller Racing Group Late Model Stock Car event winner trophy, 2005

Miller Racing Group Late Model Stock Car event winner trophy, 2005. This is one of many winner's trophies won by The Miller Racing Group with Franklin Butler III as their driver.
Description (Brief)
Miller Racing Group Late Model Stock Car event winner trophy, 2005. This is one of many winner's trophies won by The Miller Racing Group with Franklin Butler III as their driver. This was the year MRG won the track championship which was the first time an African American owned team won a NASCAR track championship since NASCAR's inception in 1948.
Miller Racing Group was an African American racing team owned by father and son Leonard W. and Leonard T. Miller. MRG was sponsored by Dr. Pepper from 2001-2003 and delivered Dr. Pepper its first corporate win in the brand's history. The team competed in the NASCAR Late Model Stock Weekly Racing Series throughout the southeast. After the 2003 season, the Millers did not have a corporate sponsor for MRG and sustained the team with their personal funds and resources.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
2005
ID Number
2016.3189.23
nonaccession number
2016.3189
catalog number
2016.3188.23

Model car of the LOLA T-332 Formula 5000 driven by Benny Scott of the Black American Racers, 1975

Model car of the LOLA T-332 Formula 5000 driven by Benny Scott of the Black American Racers, 1975.
Description (Brief)
Model car of the LOLA T-332 Formula 5000 driven by Benny Scott of the Black American Racers, 1975. In 1975, Scott would break the color barrier at the Long Beach Grand Prix, when the team entered this Formula 5000 car in the inaugural race.
In 1969, Len Miller and his brother Dexter for Miller Racing with his brother Dexter to race hot rods on the drag racing circuit in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and the Northeast. With success on the racetrack he formed Vanguard Racing in 1972 and was the first African American to enter a car in the Indianapolis 500.
He then went on to found the Black American Racers Association in 1973. The goal of the organization was to “unify African-American drivers in all types of racing – stock car, open wheel, and drag racing -- pave the way for greater success and introduce race fans to African-American’s history in motorsports.”
Later that same year the Black American Racers, Inc. (BAR) was formed with Benny Scott as their second generation African-American driver. Len and Benny Scott were inducted into the Black Athletes Hall of Fame for their achievements in motorsports in 1976.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2017.3118.01
nonaccession number
2017.3118
catalog number
2017.3118.01

Dennis Lindsey Memorial Award presented to Leonard W. Miller at the end of the 2005 NASCAR season

Dennis Lindsey Memorial Award presented to Leonard W. Miller at the end of the 2005 NASCAR season. Miller Racing Group, Inc. won the NASCAR Late Model Stock track championship with Franklin Butler as their driver in 2005.
Description (Brief)
Dennis Lindsey Memorial Award presented to Leonard W. Miller at the end of the 2005 NASCAR season. Miller Racing Group, Inc. won the NASCAR Late Model Stock track championship with Franklin Butler as their driver in 2005. Although Butler was white, it was the first time and African American owned team had won a track championship in NASCAR history. The Metropolitan Auto Racing Fans president presented this trophy to Miller.
Miller Racing Group was an African American racing team owned by father and son Leonard W. and Leonard T. Miller. MRG was sponsored by Dr. Pepper from 2001-2003 and delivered Dr. Pepper its first corporate win in the brand's history. The team competed in the NASCAR Late Model Stock Weekly Racing Series throughout the southeast. After the 2003 season, the Millers did not have a corporate sponsor for MRG and sustained the team with their personal funds and resources.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
2005
used
Miller, Leonard W.
ID Number
2016.0359.08
accession number
2016.0359
catalog number
2016.0359.08

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