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Formerly known as B’s Ballpark Museum, the collection was recognized by Smithsonian Books as one of the top 20 finest private baseball collections in the world. The Museum prides itself in one-of-a-kind treasures, including those from the original 14 classic ballparks, and is the only Museum dedicated to ballparks.
So how did Curator, Founder, and President Bruce “B” Hellerstein go from collecting baseball cards to creating a world-class museum? Well, it could be traced to a personal development course Bruce attended in his early thirties, in which he visualized his “perfect paradise.” Of course, all that came into his mind was walking into a dream ballpark! In the 1980’s he began displaying his collection in his basement and in 1999 obtained the 501(c)(3) tax exempt status. In 2010, secured its present location and new name, The National Ballpark Museum.
When you visit the Museum, feel free to spend as long as you want walking through and enjoying the exhibits. Our passionate volunteers are here to give you personal tours and talk baseball or you can enjoy your experience without a guide. You are welcome to take photos of anything in the museum, including our section of the Green Monster from Fenway Park and section of the scoreboard from Wrigley Field!
Rosin bag from last game at Crosley Field
A lightbulb from the first night game played at Ebbets Field, in 1938
Turnstile from Philadelphia’s Shibe Park (the first classic ballpark), dated 1909
The arched window and cornerstone from Forbes Field, home of the Pittsburgh Pirates
The original goal of the Museum was to concentrate on ballpark memorabilia. Founder, Curator, and President Bruce meticulously acquired relics, bricks, postcards, jerseys, books, pictures, and more. The current goal of the Museum can be read in our Mission Statement.
The collection grew to house seats from all the classic ballparks and to this day, The National Ballpark Museum has possibly the best collection of seats assembled in one place! The collection grew to include one-of-a-kind items, such as actual structural pieces from the classic ballparks.
Click on an image below to read more about each ballpark and view the artifacts for each of them that are on display in the museum.
As a third generation Denver native, Bruce’s one constant throughout his collection is the history of the Denver Bears/Bears Stadium, and the Colorado Rockies/Coors Field.
This exhibit is considered the most comprehensive collection of relics for the Denver Bears/Bears Stadium. The collection includes photos of players, photos of the construction of Bears Stadium, autographed baseballs, uniforms, one of a kind signage, programs, and vintage scrapbooks. Also on display is the collection of Jim Burris, who was a former President / General Manager of the Denver Bears, and was known as Mr. Denver Baseball. You will find historical statistics of the Denver Bears, which list team affiliations over the decades, legendary players for the team including future Hall of Fame players.
Not only does the Museum include the Minor League history of the Bears/Bears Stadium, but also has displays from the historically significant barnstorming games played at Denver’s Merchants Park. These games had not only featured Major League stars, including Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, but also the greats of the Negro Leagues. You will discover one-of-a kind collectibles, such as an autographed game-used ball from Merchants, signed by Babe and Lou. To possibly top that, a Babe Ruth autobiography, signed and addressed to a former owner of the Bears and Merchants Park!
Red Sox superstar and future Hall of Famer visited the museum during the 2021 All-Star festivities
Former Colorado Rockies outfielder and member of the “Blake Street Bombers” Dante visited the museum virtually to celebrate the release of Manny Randhawa’s book, “Blake Street Bombers”
Owners of the Colorado Rockies (Pictured left and far left)
Manager of the Toronto Blue Jays and former Denver Zephyr (1991-1992)
Former San Francisco Giants and San Diego Padres Pitcher who appeared in the 1983 All Star Game. Dave is known for his courage and strength after battling cancer and returning to pitch again in the major leagues. He would go on to lose his pitching arm after the cancer returned.
Sports Reporter For WTMJ Milwaukee
In game reporter for the Pittsburgh Pirates (Pictured left)
In – Game Reporter for the Houston Astros
Kerry (second from the left) with fellow Japanese Historians and Authors
Baseball Writer and Statcast Researcher for MLB.com (Pictured with our Museum Manager Raelee Frazier)
Toronto Blue Jays Radio Play by Play Announcer
Pictured: Volunteer and former General Manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Dan Evans, former Museum employee Joey Schor, and Mike Wilner (far right)
Nisei Ballplayer who Played on the 1950 Denver Team of the Japanese baseball league. You can read more about Masuru on our media page.
1940 Blake Street
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 974-5835
info@ballparkmuseum.com
National Ballpark Museum is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and would welcome your contributions.
