The Atlantic League of Professional Baseball made it to Cooperstown National Hall of Fame and became part of history in 2019. They were experimenting with rule changes in cooperation with Major League Baseball. One of which was a computer generated calling of balls and strikes aka RoboUmp and situation where if the catcher dropped the called third strike, the runner could steal first base. Umpire Fred DeJesus was the first umpire to call a full game as the home plate umpire using the computer generated umpire. His ear piece he used was given to Long Island Ducks owner and chairman Frank Boulton, who donated it to Cooperstown. Tony Thomas, of The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs was the first player to successfully steal first base on the called third strike. His cleats were also donated to Cooperstown.
While at Cooperstown National Baseball Hall of Fame, I took a few images and sent them to the president of The Atlantic League of Professional Baseball and he used them in a story on the Atlantic League website.
Here is a link to the story, from The Atlantic Leagues website:
Baseball and summer are major sources of enjoyment for many people across the globe. While many are disappointed about not being able to attend baseball games, there are things to do to still be able to enjoy the sport.
There is a special place in Cooperstown New York, that many know of. It’s a national shrine to thousands of people, Cooperstown National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.
During a recent visit there, which at 58 years old was my very first time there, I was amazed, thrilled, mesmerized by the amount of collectables, memorabilia and artifacts there. Collections ranging from the 1800’s to present day filled up nearly every available space. Stephen C. Clark was the key activist in establishing and founding the Hall of Fame, after asking then National League President Ford C. Frick. Clarks concepts and ideals were welcome and in 1936, the very inaugural class was inducted, consisting of Ty Cobb, Walter Johnson, Christy Mathewson, Babe Ruth and Honus Wagner were elected. The rest is history.
It was an incredible journey, seeing signed contracts, hand written document in scorebooks by the press, various equipment from signifigant moment like Hank Aarons baseballs706 through his home run breaking record of 715. Various uniforms of an era were there, the press and media had a section of popular and now famous sports casters from various periods of the game, baeball trading cards, promotional give-aways, players from the Negro leagues and Latin Leagues were also recognized. There was also a sectin of modern days, where the MLB and Atlantic League of Professional Baseball worked together on experimental rule changes. The ear piece worn by home plate umpire Fred DeJesus, where a computer generated umpire known as “Robo Ump” called balls and strikes, letting the home plate umpire know what call to make, accordingly. The other item on display was Tony Thomas’ of the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs cleats, part of another rule experiment where if the catcher dropped the third strike, the batter could take a chance to steal first. Tony Thomas was successful in stealing first, becoming the very first player to do so. Being from Long island and a fan of the Atlantic League, it was a special moment to see those items on display and having seen the Robo Ump game. Artists were also represented with creative renderings done in oils, guache and other mediums. The All American Girls Professional Baseball League was also represented.
There are so many other collectables of the museum, it would fill much more then I could possibly list here. It was a wonderful opportunity to recapture summer days of my youth and learn so much more then I could have ever imagined. I look forward to going there again.
Hello everyone! Best wishes during this pandemic! I thought this to be of interest for art lovers across the globe. MoMA, in their e-magazine, has some interesting articles and images for many to enjoy. I thought it to be very worthwhile!
Wishing every player and league the best of everything. I hope those that are playing are doing well and those not playing find a baseball home in 2020.
As with many of the baseball teams and sports in general during 2020, The Long Island Ducks are not playing at all this year. At least we have memories of years gone by in baseball.
This year, marks a Twenty year anniversary for the Long Island Ducks. From their Inaugural Season in 2000 to 2019’s Championship Season and all games in between, many fans have enjoyed watching the Ducks and opposing teams in The Atlantic League of Professional Baseball.
The Long Island Ducks are four time Atlantic League Champions and eight time Liberty Division winners. That is an impressive record since the league itself has been around since 1998. Only the Somerset Patriots have more championship wins with 5.
For more information about The Long Island Ducks Flock Full Of Memories, visit them at:
After a long wait, during the pandemic, The Lewis Winter Botanical Garden has finally reopened with many spectacular gardens, exhibits, events and fun! Having visited there many times, I can attest it’s something to see, adding to summer fun. Be sure to read their safety tips so you can enjoy many wonderful hours there.
The botanical garden is located at 1800 Lakeside Avenue | Richmond, Virginia 23228 | 804.262.9887
MoMA has an interesting article on the famous photographer, Gordon Parks. I have enjoyed his works for years. I hope art lovers enjoy this.
Excerpt from my email from MoMA: “In 1968, Gordon Parks addressed the (mostly white) readers of Life, where he was the magazine’s first African American staff photographer, by stating, “I am you, staring back from a mirror of poverty and despair, of revolt and freedom.… We are not so far apart as it might seem. There is something about both of us that goes deeper than blood or black and white. It is our common search for a better life, a better world…. Look at me. Listen to me. Try to understand my struggle against your racism. There is yet a chance for us to live in peace beneath these restless skies.”
Parks used his camera to fight injustice and discrimination. For over half a century, from the 1940s to the 2000s, he captured American life with his powerful photographs. In 1957, when television was broadcast in black and white, he created “The Atmosphere of Crime,” a photo story for Life about crime in the US, in vivid color. The images are valuable historical records and unforgettable works of art.”
Art lovers across New York will enjoy the reopening of The Metropolitan Museum of Art on August 29, 2020. For more information on the reopening event and other events throughout the museum visit:
This story from the editorial team of the digital department, Art = Discovering Infinite Connections in Art History is based on the most-viewed essays, works of art, and keywords on the Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. It features 1000 illustrations, I found this to be an excellent feature on their website.
Hello everyone! I thought this to be an interesting story about the garden club of Virginia turning 100 years old. The story is from The Virginia Museum of History and Culture and has many wonderful images, stories and facts. I have been to Virginia on many occasion and can attest to its inner beauty!
