Bruce "B" Hellerstein

Bruce “B” Hellerstein and his wife Judy Frieman at the 2019 World Series in Washington D.C.

President, Curator, and Founder of the National Ballpark Museum

“B” is not only short for my name, Bruce Hellerstein, but also stands for “B’s” blessings. I count my lucky stars every day, to have such great health, family and friends, as well as my own CPA firm, which is housed next to the Museum. I began my accounting career after graduating from the University of Denver and took a path of specializing in Estate, Gift and Trust (EGT) taxation and planning. Combined with my love and passion of baseball and knowledge of Estate, Gift and Trust, this led to the creation our family’s living legacy,  National Ballpark Museum, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Well, how did my love affair with baseball and ballparks all start? I remember back in second grade in a show and tell class, a girl named Carol shared her experience of going to a Denver Bears game at Bears Stadium. That moment was the very first time in my life that I was exposed to baseball. I was driven to see the Bears at Bears Stadium and insisted that my parents take me to a game. My first and lasting memory of that experience was seeing “Bears Stadium” written on the back of the centerfield fence when approaching the ballpark from the highway. I was forever hooked on baseball and ballparks! Nobody ever really took me to a ballgame, rather I took them, as far back as I can remember. The only difference today is that I’ve added the Museum as part of my tour.

I played baseball all my life in Denver; including little league, Old-Timers League, Pony League, Legion A, George Washington High School, semi-pro ball, and the Sunday Morning Baseball League. My main and favorite position was pitcher. I loved to pitch because you’re the center of attention and in control of the game, and I thrived on the pressure. I pitched a no-hitter in Pony League, as well as got a hit that broke up a no-hitter!

As a long time member of the SABR (Society for American Baseball Research) and its ballparks committee and Denver chapter, my love for Colorado and baseball allowed me to serve as a member of both the Denver Baseball Commission and the Coors Field Design Committee. Having visited the site of all the big league ballparks; including the new big league fields built in the “retro ballpark” era, and annually attend the National Sports Collectors Convention, I took the design of Coors Field very personally. I initiated the vision of an Ebbets Field type entry way, which eventually became the reality of the 20th and Blake Street main home plate entrance. Now, that entrance is a stones throw away from the main entrance to the Ballpark Museum.

Baseball and ballparks have been part of my life for as long as I can remember back. Baseball has always been a companion and a best friend. I have a lifetime of experiences and memories that I can’t wait to share with you.

I look forward to meeting you and learning about your baseball memories, taking you on my unique personal tour of the National Ballpark Museum, and having the Museum come to life. Nobody has ever come away from the Museum disappointed. I guarantee it!