Our Stories
24 stories
#GoingDeep: Sol White's royal prose
King Solomon White’s "History of Colored Base Ball" resonates with researchers more than a century after it was published.
#GoingDeep: The evolution of baseball gloves
Pitcher Bill Doak invented the modern-day glove more than 100 years ago. But improvements are still being made to this day.
#GoingDeep: By using grandfather clauses, baseball history often comes full circle
As baseball has evolved, grandfather clauses have helped everyone adjust to new rules.
#GoingDeep: The year Sacramento became the home run capital
In 1974, the Sacramento Solons took advantage of their unique home park to set a minor league record with 305 home runs.
#GoingDeep: Remembering the Senior Professional Baseball Association
The Senior Professional Baseball Association, which played two seasons in the late 1980s and early 1990s, featured Hall of Fame managers like Dick Williams and dozens of former big league stars.
#GoingDeep: The Forgotten History of Numbering Players
The numbering system on player jerseys began in earnest in 1929, but teams had identified players by numerals decades before that.
#GoingDeep: Asian Games
A Herb Pennock jersey from the 1922-23 Herb Hunter All-Americans tour of the Far East was recently donated to the Museum.
#GoingDeep: The Legend of Jim Thorpe
Pulitzer Prize winning author David Maraniss visited Cooperstown in August 2022 to speak about his latest book "Path Lit by Lightning: The Life of Jim Thorpe."
#GoingDeep: Black Baseball in Atlantic City
Professional Black baseball found a haven in Atlantic City in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
#GoingDeep: Agent for the Babe
Babe Ruth received an oversize Valentine from Christy Walsh in February 1947.
#GoingDeep: Carlos Bernier left legacy as Latin American pioneer
Carlos Bernier was arguably the fastest ballplayer around, his blinding speed making him a legend on the basepaths and a fly-chasing defensive star in the outfield.
#GoingDeep: In 1922, the Browns turned from loveable losers into contenders
One-hundred years ago, the perennial cellar dwellers from St. Louis were one of baseball’s best teams.
#GoingDeep: Phil Douglas’ battle with baseball in 1922 derailed a stellar career
In 1922, Phil Douglas, arguably one of the game's top pitchers at the time, suddenly found himself prohibited from playing.
#GoingDeep: Emmett Ashford blazed trails for umpires
Emmett Ashford, the first Black umpire in the AL or NL, was an umpire in the American League from 1966-1970, working one All Star Game and one World Series.
#GoingDeep: Gardella’s lawsuit pushed baseball’s labor boundaries
In the 1940s, the actions of Danny Gardella and 21 other MLB players who jumped to the Mexican League helped move the needle on players' autonomy and negotiating power.
#GoingDeep: Research reveals Bo Jackson’s final Raiders uniform is preserved in Cooperstown
Following Bo Jackson's final NFL game, his game-worn jersey was donated to the Hall of Fame.
#GoingDeep: Bracelets have long given fans a chance to express their diamond passion
Unique, personal jewelry is part of the Hall of Fame's collection.
#GoingDeep: Tom Seaver: A town, a team and a miracle
In 2009, Tom Seaver sat down with the BBWAA's Jack O'Connell to reflect on his career.
#GoingDeep: Christy Mathewson, Helene Britton and the theater
Christy Mathewson, actor? Nope. Christy Mathewson, playwright? Sort of.
#GoingDeep: The simple brilliance of Clyde Sukeforth
Clyde Sukeforth was much more than a second-string catcher.
#GoingDeep: Ted Williams Heads Back to War
Two weeks after belting a home run off Dizzy Trout, Ted Williams was stationed in Willow Grove Air Station in Willow Grove, Pa., en route to Korea.
#GoingDeep: Reflections on World War II
A look back at two men who stepped up to the plate: umpire Augie Donatelli and Bob Feller.
