Located in Cooperstown, NY (partially because of the myth that Abner Doubleday invented the sport here), the Baseball Hall of Fame has inducted 310 players, managers, umpires, and more. It keeps an incredible archive of baseball artifacts for fans and researchers alike.
(image via Instagram)
Babe Ruth was an early titan of baseball. He established a slew of records in the sport, some of which are still standing more than 80 years since his retirement. After all this time, his gravesite is a pilgrimage destination for devotees.
(image via Flickr)
Louisville is known for a surprising number of things, but the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory is one of the most iconic. From the 120-foot replica of Babe Ruth’s Slugger to the replicas of famous players’ bats, it’s a big part of baseball history.
(image via Instagram)
The segregation of baseball is an ugly part of history, but the fact of the matter is that a world of phenomenal players never got to play in the MLB. This museum pays homage to some of the greatest black players, whether they ever set foot on an MLB diamond or not.
(image via Instagram)
Whether you love or hate the Red Sox, Fenway Park is a destination every baseball fan needs to see at least once. Boston is steeped in tradition, and Fenway is the oldest ballpark in all of Major League Baseball, having opened in 1912.
(image via Instagram)
This stadium is where Jackie Robinson played with the Montreal Royals against their parent club, the Brooklyn Dodgers. This was the first time an African-American had played with white players in an organized, pro baseball game since before the turn of the century.
(image via Wikipedia)
That whole “If you build it, they will come” thing turned out to be a self-fulfilling prophecy. The actual baseball diamond constructed for the movie Field of Dreams is still here, and it’s open for people to bring bats and gloves and play around from April to November.
(image via Instagram)
While many parks built high bleachers or spite fences to keep others in the neighborhood from watching the game, Wrigley never did. Because of this, the Chicago Cubs have fostered an even stronger sense of community than baseball already does.
(image via Instagram)
Little League is a surprisingly big deal. It’s also an affordable, low-key way to enjoy a baseball game experience without shelling out for MLB tickets. The Little League Museum goes over the history of the League in the city where its World Series is held.
(image via Facebook)
One of the greatest home runs in World Series history happened at Forbes Field in 1960. It was so iconic that when they tore down the stadium, they left the wall that the ball flew over standing. Every year on the anniversary of the game, fans gather around to listen to the radio broadcast at the spot where it all happened.
(image via Instagram)
The Midnight Sun Game is played every summer solstice at Growden Memorial Park in Fairbanks, Alaska. The Alaska Goldpanners have hosted every game since 1960, and count the likes of Bill “Spaceman” Lee among their alumni.
(image via Instagram)
“Shoeless Joe” was an incredibly controversial figure. He was banned from MLB after he and seven teammates were accused of throwing the 1919 World Series. But, it speaks to his stellar record that even 60 years after his death, people are still trying to get him reinstated.
(image via Instagram)
Bergino Baseball Clubhouse is known for their handmade Bergino Baseballs, emblazoned with city maps and other designs. They also have vintage art and ads, regular readings, and a podcast discussing baseball throughout history.
(image via Facebook)
Whether you’re a Yankees fan or not, it’s hard to deny that they’ve had a ridiculous number of legendary players. Those players are honored at Monument Park, an open-air museum of sorts at Yankee Stadium.
(image via Instagram)
Yogi Berra is probably best known for being the most quotable man in baseball, but he also had a remarkable career and life. This museum is dedicated to both and to the values by which he lived. In addition to artifacts and timelines, the museum has an educational curriculum designed to instill those values in youth.
(image via Instagram)
