HOT SPRINGS NATIONAL PARK, Arkansas — An exhibit of 51 photographs from the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, sponsored by Relyance Bank, will be a highlight of the third annual Hot Springs Baseball Weekend May 8 – 9 at the Hot Springs Convention Center.
Picturing America’s Pastime will run through July 27 and will be free and open to the public during business hours at the Convention Center.
Picturing America’s Pastime features 51 framed photographs representing the Hall of Fame’s collection of approximately 250,000 images. An extension of the Museum’s exhibit in Cooperstown, N.Y., the touring version of Picturing America’s Pastime captures the essence of an exhibit designed to show the historic link between the advent of photography and baseball.
“This photo exhibit will add immeasurably to the public’s awareness of the role of baseball in America’s DNA and will fit in perfectly with Hot Springs’ growing reputation as The Birthplace of Major League Baseball Spring Training,” said Steve Arrison, CEO of Visit Hot Springs. “We are indebted to Relyance Bank for sponsoring this exciting addition to our fans’ experience and enjoyment.”
“Some of the greatest photographers of the last 150 years found baseball to be the perfect canvas for their work,” said Erik Strohl, the vice president of exhibitions and collections at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. “The images in Picturing America’s Pastime represent a small sample of the brilliant work we preserve in Cooperstown, and the touring exhibit gives fans all over the country the chance to experience the beauty and power of these photos first-hand.”
“Hot Springs’ documented history as the place where Major League Baseball’s Spring Training began has gained worldwide credence,” Arrison said, “and the annual Baseball Weekend focuses the attention of baseball lovers and historians on our city. Our Historic Baseball Trail makes it easy for fans to visit the spots throughout Hot Springs where legends such as Babe Ruth, Jackie Robinson and Honus Wagner came to take the thermal baths, work out on our mountain trails and play teams from other Major League cities in spring practice games.”
Personal appearances by four baseball legends will highlight the Third Annual Hot Springs Baseball Weekend May 8 – 9. On hand to interact with fans will be Hall of Famer Lee Smith, Hall of Famer Steve Carlton, Hall of Famer Ted Simmons and ‘The Mad Hungarian’ Al Hrabosky.
“This will be the greatest weekend of activities thus far as we continue to showcase Hot Springs’ international recognition as The Birthplace of Major League Baseball Springs Training,” Arrison said. “We’ll announce the full schedule of Baseball Weekend activities soon.”
The weekend’s activities will be free and open to the public.
For more information call Steve Arrison at 501-321-2027.