“Pain, Protection and Performance: The Evolution of Baseball Equipment presented by Rawlings”
Exhibit Opens December 14 and Runs Through 2019 Baseball Season
ST. LOUIS, Mo., December 13, 2018– The St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame and Museum will open its new special exhibit entitled “Pain, Protection and Performance: The Evolution of Baseball Equipment presented by Rawlings” on Friday, December 14. The exhibit, which replaces last year’s special exhibition “Goodwill through Baseball: Cardinals Across the Pacific,” examines the role of equipment in the National Pastime and shows how various pieces of gear have changed since the birth of the sport in the 1800s.
“This special exhibit includes some fantastic and peculiar items from our collection, in addition to several important pieces on loan from the National Baseball Hall of Fame and other collectors,” said Paula Homan, Cardinals Museum Curator. “It’s really remarkable to see how far the equipment has progressed as players seek to improve their performance and safety.”
“Pain, Protection and Performance” features over 100 artifacts relating to the history of baseball equipment, including an original fingerless glove from 1883; Stan Musial’s trapper-style mitt that helped him easily transition between first base and the outfield during the late 1940s; one of the original fiberglass prototype batting helmets that inspired Branch Rickey to introduce them for major league use in the 1950s; the cupped-end bat Lou Brock used to notch his 3,000th career hit; and the cleats that Fernando Tatis wore when he hit a MLB record two grand slams in one inning.
The exhibit also includes a display of authentic Rawlings Gold Glove® and Platinum Glove® Awards along with an interactive kiosk where guests can create and order their very own custom Rawlings glove. Guests can enjoy in-depth features on players and gear through the use of augmented reality via the MLB Ballpark App along with a unique spinning tile interactive that highlights key points throughout the experience.
The Cardinals Hall of Fame and Museum is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. during the offseason. The special exhibit will be open to the public through the conclusion of the 2019 baseball season and is included with admission to the museum. To purchase Cardinals Museum tickets or learn more about museum membership, visit cardinals.com/museum.
