Stories of Black baseball

Stories that highlight the lives and experiences of Black ballplayers through key moments in history, artifacts and baseball cards.

Featured Story

Doby blazed trails on, off field

On June 30, 1978, Larry Doby became the second Black manager in AL/HL history.

#Shortstops: Heroes’ hat

Mets players visited Ground Zero after the 9/11 attacks and traded their shirts and caps for police and firefighter hats. A FDNY cap is part of the Museum’s collection.

#Shortstops: Kerry’s history

Kerry Wood tied the major league record with 20 strikeouts in a game in 1998.

#CardCorner: 1987 Topps Brett Butler

Brett Butler spent time with six teams during his 17-year big league career and complied a WAR of 49.7.

Clemente slashes three triples, ties record

Roberto Clemente tied the modern record and became the 28th player to hit three triples in a game in 1958.

Jim Kaat to Host Pathfinder Village-Baseball Hall of Fame Golf Invitational Sept. 19

Annual event benefits Pathfinder Village and Hall of Fame’s educational programs.

#Shortstops: Bionic Man

After Dodgers pitcher Tommy John suffered a torn ligament in his throwing elbow, team doctor Frank Jobe suggested they try a new surgical procedure to repair it. The surgery was a success and "Tommy John surgery" was born.

#CardCorner: 1991 Upper Deck Ron Gant

During his career, Ron Gant carved out an Atlanta Braves legacy before helping three other franchises reach the postseason.

Museum’s Distance Learning Program Honored with 2021-22 Pinnacle Award

Educational curriculum, virtual programs bring baseball around the world.

Hodges’ four-homer game was second in modern NL history

Gil Hodges put himself in the record books with a four home run game in 1950.

#Shortstops: The Kids are All Grown Up

Since the first release in 1952, Topps has implemented a variety of designs and styles on baseball cards — changing along with the times.

#Shortstops: Bat for a Cause

Americans detained as prisoners of war during World War II created baseball equipment out of whatever materials they could find. A wooden bat carved from a tree branch and used in Germany is preserved in the Museum's collection.

Feller Ks 12 in return from military service

In his return to the major leagues after serving in the Navy, Bob Feller threw a complete game and struck out 12 batters.

#CardCorner: 1985 Topps John Tudor

For one unforgettable four-month stretch in 1985, John Tudor made pitching look easy.

#Shortstops: Deal of the Century

Roberto Clemente's first professional contract was with the Cangrejeros de Santurce of the Puerto Rican Professional Baseball League. A copy of that contract is preserved at the Museum.

#CardCorner: 1969 Topps Don Buford

Don Buford's 10-year major league career included five years in Baltimore and a 1970 World Series title.

Raines punctuates electric 1987 campaign by hitting for cycle

Tim Raines hit for the cycle and went 5-for-5 with the Expos on Aug. 16, 1987.