Florida: Field of Dreams

Welcome to the Elliott Museum’s Spring Training exhibit, “Florida: Fields of Dreams”<br /><br />March 13 – May 30, 2010
The Fields of Dreams exhibit has on display more than 600 baseball cards, almost 200 autographed baseballs and artifacts dating back to 1865. In addition, the show has items provided by South Florida's baseball training camps and former Major League pitcher Jim Kaat.
Museum supporter and Stuart businessman Bob Banasiak has made a long-term loan of 120 autographed baseballs. Among the names: Hank Aaron, Ted Williams, Willie Mays, Stan Musial, Yogi Berra, Ralph Kiner, Mike Schmidt, Bob Feller and other members of the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
The baseballs signed by Mickey Mantle and Joe DiMaggio, both of whom are New York Yankees legends and in the National Baseball Hall of Fame, are on long-term loan from Stuart businessman Bob Banasiak. He collected about 120 baseballs over the years before giving them a public home at the Elliott.
The exhibit includes artifacts such as a 1914 score book signed by players from the American and National leagues, an autographed photo of Negro League star and Hall of Famer Buck Leonard, and autographed baseballs and baseball cards.
This World Series trophy on loan from St. Louis Cardinals former pitcher Jim Kaat. The Stuart resident pitched in four of the seven games, helping the Redbirds win the 1982 championship team over the Milwaukee Brewers. At that time, the Brewers were part of the American League.
The Elliott's permanent collection include baseball bats used by Babe Ruth, Roberto Clemente, Ty Cobb and Rod Carew. The museum also has a "Shoeless" Joe Jackson bat that is almost a century old.
The Elliott has more than 600 baseball cards in two custom-made cases, some dating back 100 years. Most of the cards are signed. Pictured here are Hall of Famers Roy Campanella, Jim Rice, George Foster and Nellie Fox.
The exhibit features the history of Spring Training in Florida. Every February, players from Class A to Major League gather at their winter homes to get in shape. The exhibition games are an opportunity for young players to show their promise and veterans to improve their skills.<br /><br />The Elliott show highlights two local “Fields of Dreams” Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, which serves the Florida Marlins and St. Louis Cardinals; and Tradition Field Stadium in Port St. Lucie, which hosts the New York Mets. The iconic Dodgertown is also featured as the Elliott pays tribute to the winter home of Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers for 54 years.
Spring Training was the start of many Hall of Fame careers. Greats of the game like Lou Gehrig received their first national exposure in March before coaches, fans and sportswriters. <br /><br />The exhibit features players and managers from the three teams that train near the Elliott, including those from:<br /> • Florida Marlins: A.J. Burnett, Miguel Cabrera and Jack McKeon<br /> • New York Mets: Gary Carter, Willie Mays and Tom Seaver<br /> • St. Louis Cardinals: Bob Gibson, Stan Musial and Red Schoendienst
The journey of Florida-born boys from Little League fields to Major League stadiums is captured through photos and narratives. These native sons progressed from T-ball to Babe Ruth League and then to the pros.
The Elliott Museum presents hundreds of signed baseball cards, some dating back 100 years. Almost every Hall of Fame player is represented in the collection.
Welcome to the Elliott Museum’s Spring Training exhibit, “Florida: Fields of Dreams”

March 13 – May 30, 2010
Spring Training comes home with “Florida: Field of Dreams.” The historical perspective shows how Florida has contributed to the growth of the national pastime by hosting training camps and developing talented players.
 
The exhibit in the south gallery features the history of Spring Training in Florida and tells the stories of Florida baseball players who made it from local “Fields of Dreams” to Big League ballparks.