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: United States

Program for the Royal Palm Polo-Sports Club

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1983
ID Number
1984.0803.02
catalog number
1984.0803.02
accession number
1984.0803

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

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

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

Kirby Puckett, Spring Training

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1992
associated date
1993
depicted (sitter)
Puckett, Kirby
maker
Horenstein, Henry
ID Number
2018.0193.0003
accession number
2018.0193
catalog number
2018.0193.0003

Roone Arledge

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1975
photographer
Regan, Ken
ID Number
2014.0112.194
catalog number
2014.0112.194
accession number
2014.0112

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

The Wonderful World of Horses featuring the Royal Lipizzan Stallions

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2011.3085.071
nonaccession number
2011.3085
catalog number
2011.3085.071

James A. Farley and Jack Dempsey

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1936-11-03
depicted (sitter)
Farley, James A.
Dempsey, Jack
maker
Acme Photo
ID Number
2013.0327.1272
accession number
2013.0327
catalog number
2013.0327.1272

USA vs. USSR - men's basketball

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1973
photographer
Regan, Ken
ID Number
2014.0112.009
catalog number
2014.0112.009
accession number
2014.0112

Cross country skiing

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1975-02-02
photographer
Regan, Ken
ID Number
2014.0112.086
catalog number
2014.0112.086
accession number
2014.0112

Roone Arledge

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1975
photographer
Regan, Ken
ID Number
2014.0112.189
catalog number
2014.0112.189
accession number
2014.0112

Glove, used by Mariano Rivera, New York Yankees

Panamanian American relief pitcher Mariano Rivera played 17 seasons for the New York Yankees (1995-2013.) The right hander set the Major League record for career saves with 652 and was the first player to be unanimously elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame (2019.)A 13-ti
Description
Panamanian American relief pitcher Mariano Rivera played 17 seasons for the New York Yankees (1995-2013.) The right hander set the Major League record for career saves with 652 and was the first player to be unanimously elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame (2019.)
A 13-time All-Star selection, Rivera won five World Series championships in New York (1996, 1998-2000,2009), being named the series Most Valuable Player in 1999. Leading the Majors in saves three times, Rivera finished his career with a lifetime 82-60 win-loss record, a 2.21 earned run average and 1,173 strike outs.
The glove's inscription reflects Rivera's Christian faith. Known for his humanitarian efforts, Rivera was the recipient of the Marvin Miller Man of the Year Award in 2013 and the ROBIE Humanitarian Award in 2014. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2019.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 2007
Associated Name
Rivera, Mariano
New York Yankees
maker
Nike, Inc.
ID Number
2017.0334.17
catalog number
2017.0334.17
accession number
2017.0334

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

Cross country skiing

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1975-02-02
photographer
Regan, Ken
ID Number
2014.0112.082
catalog number
2014.0112.082
accession number
2014.0112

Tennis Ground of Newport Casino

black and white stereograph mounted on yellow cardstock; printed on recto "American Scenery / Tennis Ground of Casino / Newport, R.I."; image of two-level Shingle style building, the Newport Casino designed by Charles McKim; manicured lawn and unpaved walkways in foreground with
Description (Brief)
black and white stereograph mounted on yellow cardstock; printed on recto "American Scenery / Tennis Ground of Casino / Newport, R.I."; image of two-level Shingle style building, the Newport Casino designed by Charles McKim; manicured lawn and unpaved walkways in foreground with building in mid-ground
date made
ca 1880
ID Number
2012.3033.0589
nonaccession number
2012.3033
catalog number
2012.3033.0589

McClellan's Chess Set

Physical DescriptionWooden box covered with black paper. Inscribed on the cover “Geo. B.
Description
Physical Description
Wooden box covered with black paper. Inscribed on the cover “Geo. B. McClellan.” Paper label on the inside of cover bearing maker's name and address “Schuyler, Hartley & Graham, 19 Maiden Lane, New York.” One white pawn and one black knight are missing.
Specific History
Used by George McClellan during the Civil War.
date made
1860
user
McClellan, George B.
maker
Schuyler, Hartley & Graham
ID Number
AF.17501
catalog number
17501
accession number
61384

Baseball Glove worn by Ken Griffey Jr.

Baseball mitt won by 10 time gold-glove winning center fielder Ken Griffey Jr. (b.
Description
Baseball mitt won by 10 time gold-glove winning center fielder Ken Griffey Jr. (b. 1969.) Griffey played Major League baseball for 22 years, starring for the Seattle Mariners (1989-1999, 2009-2010) Cincinnati Reds (2000-2008) and Chicago White Sox (2008.)
The son of a former major league player, Griffey was a thirteen-time all-star known for his home run hitting prowess, belting 630 over the course of his career. He lifetime marks include a .284 batting average, 2,781 hits and 1,836 runs batted in.
1997's American League Most Valuble player, Griffey was elected into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2016.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1993-1994
Associated Name
Griffey, Jr., Ken
Seattle Mariners
maker
Rawlings
ID Number
2017.0334.01
accession number
2017.0334
catalog number
2017.0334.01

New York Yankees Jersey, worn by Goose Gossage

Jersey worn by New York Yankees relief pitcher Goose Gossage during the 1983 season.Right-handed relief pitcher Richard Goose Gossage played Major League baseball for the Chicago White Sox (1972-1976,) Pittsburgh Pirates (1977,) New York Yankees (1978-1983, 1989) San Diego Padres
Description
Jersey worn by New York Yankees relief pitcher Goose Gossage during the 1983 season.
Right-handed relief pitcher Richard Goose Gossage played Major League baseball for the Chicago White Sox (1972-1976,) Pittsburgh Pirates (1977,) New York Yankees (1978-1983, 1989) San Diego Padres (1984-1987,) Chicago Cubs (1988,) Texas Rangers (1991,) Oakland Athletics (1992-1993,) and Seattle Mariners (1994.) In 1990 the mustachioed closer threw for the Fukuoka Daiei Hawks of Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball Organization (NPB.)
The fastball specialist helped define the modern baseball's closer role, being put into a game during the later innings to preserve a lead. A 9-time All-Star, Gossage led the American League in saves three times, finishing his career with 310. He amassed 1,502 strikeouts in the Majors, with a lifetime 3.01 earned run average and 124-107 win-loss record. The Goose would win a world-series in 1978 with the Yankees.
During his singular season in the NPB, Gossage had eight saves and 40 strikeouts.
Gossage was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2008 and enshrined in Yankee Stadium's Monument Park in 2014.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1983
Associated Name
Gossage, Rich “Goose”
New York Yankees
maker
Wilson Sporting Goods Company
ID Number
2017.0334.12
catalog number
2017.0334.12
accession number
2017.0334

Karate matches

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1981-05-03
photographer
Regan, Ken
ID Number
2014.0112.103
catalog number
2014.0112.103
accession number
2014.0112

Roone Arledge

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1975
photographer
Regan, Ken
ID Number
2014.0112.191
catalog number
2014.0112.191
accession number
2014.0112

Skateboard made by the donor Jerome Gardner, 1968

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1968
user
Gardner, Jerome
maker
Gardner, Jerome
ID Number
2021.0036.01
accession number
2021.0036
catalog number
2021.0036.01

Baseball hat, worn by Rickey Henderson, Oakland A's

Green wool Oakland A's road baseball hat with yellow stitching worn by outfielder Rickey Henderson. Henderson's number 24 written in ink on inside of bill. Size 7 1/4.Rickey Henderson (b.1958) played Major League Baseball for the Oakland Athletics (1979-1984, 1989-1993.
Description
Green wool Oakland A's road baseball hat with yellow stitching worn by outfielder Rickey Henderson. Henderson's number 24 written in ink on inside of bill. Size 7 1/4.
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
1994
Associated Name
Henderson, Rickey
Oakland Athletics
maker
New Era
ID Number
2017.0334.08
catalog number
2017.0334.08
accession number
2017.0334

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

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