Best Baseball Museum

Newsweek

4 days ago

Babe Ruth Birthplace Museum
Baltimore, MD
Photo courtesy of Sean Pavone/iStock by Getty Images
Photo courtesy of Sean Pavone/iStock by Getty Images
George Herman Ruth—better known as Babe Ruth—began his life in a humble brick building in downtown Baltimore and would go on to become a baseball icon. Today, visitors can tour this very row house and see one-of-a-kind artifacts from throughout Ruth's career, including uniforms, balls and mitts once used by the Bambino. The upstairs bedroom where Ruth was born is even set up as it would have been in 1895.
Baseball Heritage Museum
Cleveland, OH
Photo courtesy of Baseball Heritage Museum
Photo courtesy of Baseball Heritage Museum
Housed in the former ticket office of Cleveland's Historic League Park, this museum celebrates the trailblazers and contributions from the Latin, Carribbean, Negro and women's leagues that shaped baseball as we know it today. See game-worn jerseys and beautifully restored photograhs of legendary teams and players such as Satchel Paige and Larry Doby. The mini replica of League Park is a crowd favorite.
Biggest Little Baseball Museum
Three Oaks, MI
Photo courtesy of Gerville/iStock by Getty Images
Photo courtesy of Gerville/iStock by Getty Images
Dubbed 'so big you can't see it all in one visit, and so little you can't get lost," the Biggest Little Baseball Museum showcases baseball history with a distinctly midwestern flair. Whether it's the player-endorsed kid's gloves or the exhibit on the House of David barnstorming team, the unique artifacts in the upstairs of Three Oaks' library offer something new for even the most knowlegable baseball fans.
Chicago Sports Museum
Chicago, IL
Photo courtesy of Chicago Sports Museum
Photo courtesy of Chicago Sports Museum
The Chicago Sports Museum puts the spotlight on all major Windy City sports teams, including the Cubs. But fans of any team can appreciate the interactive exhibits that allow them to pitch with Cy Young and hit dingers with Frank Thomas. More into sports science? Stop by the Forensic Sports display to see a CT scan of Sammy Sosa's famous corked bat and a cross section of a baseball.
Clemente Museum
Pittsburgh, PA
Photo courtesy of jonathansloane/iStock by Getty Images
Photo courtesy of jonathansloane/iStock by Getty Images
Although Roberto Clemente was a legendary baseball player, he's just as famous for his humanitarian efforts. The Clemente Museum in Pittsburgh honors both aspects of his legacy. During your guided tour, you can see thousands of items with ties to The Great One, from photos and uniforms to trophies and seats from Forbes Field. Visits are by appointment only, so be sure to call ahead.
Jackie Robinson Museum
New York, NY
Photo courtesy of DCrane08/iStock by Getty Images
Photo courtesy of DCrane08/iStock by Getty Images
Located in Lower Manhattan, the Jackie Robinson Museum tells the incredible story of this baseball icon, from his early life and military service to his breaking of the color barrier with the Brooklyn Dodgers and beyond. The exhibits also showcase Robinson's impact, both during his lifetime and today, with fan letters from his playing days and audio recordings from modern-day admirers.
Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory
Louisville, KY
Photo courtesy of Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory
Photo courtesy of Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory
Easily distinguished by the 120-foot bat in front of the building, the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory is a home run for baseball fans of every age. The museum gallery houses impressive exhibits, including one that allows guests to hold bats used by modern and historic baseball figures like Derek Jeter and Babe Ruth. For a closer look at how today's bats are made, be sure to add a factory tour to your visit.
National Ballpark Museum
Denver, CO
Photo courtesy of milehightraveler/iStock by Getty Images
Photo courtesy of milehightraveler/iStock by Getty Images
The National Ballpark Museum of Lower Downtown Denver is the only museum dedicated to baseball stadiums and wouldn't exist if not for the lifelong love of the game held by its founder. The artifacts began as a personal collection, which has slowly grown to include pieces from 14 classic ballparks. There are also exhibits with local flair featuring Colorado Rockies and Denver Bears memorabilia.
Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
Kansas City, MO
Photo courtesy of Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
Photo courtesy of Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
Both awe-inspiring and informative, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum showcases the men and women trailblazers of African-American baseball. Visit the Field of Legends to see life-size statues of 13 Negro League players who have been inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, then check out the 400 baseballs signed by Negro League players donated to the museum by Rush frontman, Geddy Lee.
Negro Southern League Museum
Birmingham, AL
Photo courtesy of jonathansloane/iStock by Getty Images
Photo courtesy of jonathansloane/iStock by Getty Images
The Negro Southern League Museum invites you to immerse yourself in the rich history of African-American baseball in Alabama and its impact on the Civil Rights Movement. See game-worn jerseys from developmental teams like the Birmingham Black Barons and touch the wall of 1,500 autographed baseballs. Ready to see history come to life? You can stand face to face with a moving hologram of hurler Satchel Paige.
Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum
Greenville, SC
Photo courtesy of DCrane08/iStock by Getty Images
Photo courtesy of DCrane08/iStock by Getty Images
Take a step back in time when you visit the Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum, which is housed within Jackson's former home in Greenville, SC. Each room is filled with artifacts chronicling Jackson's life, from his childhood in a mill village to becoming one of baseball's greatest natural hitters (and yes, the 1919 Black Sox scandal). A block away, you can find a life-size bronze statue of Jackson.
Tampa Baseball Museum
Tampa, FL
Photo courtesy of benedek/iStock by Getty Images
Photo courtesy of benedek/iStock by Getty Images
Learn about how baseball became the "universal language" of Tampa at the Tampa Baseball Museum! Located inside the childhood casita of Al Lopez in the historic Ybor City neighborhood, this museum shares Tampa's impact on the sport throughout the years. It's an especially popular destination for kids, who often get the chance to hear first-hand accounts from visiting former players and meet local minor league mascots.
The World of Little League® Museum
South Williamsport, PA
Photo courtesy of The World of Little League® Museum
Photo courtesy of The World of Little League® Museum
Whether you played ball as a child, have a future major leaguer of your own or are simply a fan of the game, you'll find something to love at the World of Little League Museum. See the story of this world-famous program come to life through exhibits filled with vintage uniforms and gear as well as high-tech interactive displays. Don't forget to stop by the gift shop for some Little League swag!
Ty Cobb Museum
Royston, GA
Photo courtesy of eurobanks/iStock by Getty Images
Photo courtesy of eurobanks/iStock by Getty Images
This museum offers a unique glimpse into the early days of baseball and the life of Ty Cobb, the first player inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Located within a former hospital (built thanks to a donation from the Georgia Peach), the Ty Cobb museum has its own theater where visitors can hear the story of Cobb's rise to legendary status. You'll also find exhibits with baseball memorabilia from the early 1900s.
Yogi Berra Museum & Learning Center
Little Falls, NJ
Photo courtesy of DCrane08/iStock by Getty Images
Photo courtesy of DCrane08/iStock by Getty Images
The Yogi Berra Museum & Learning Center doesn't just cover baseball history, it explores baseball science! After viewing the permanent exhibit documenting Berra's early days and historic career (including two of his 13 World Series rings), head to the pitching simulator and see how your fastball measures up. You'll also find a variety of rotating exhibits on everything from the Negro Leagues to the MLB's COVID season.