The William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum is planning a new exhibit called “Play Ball! The St. Louis Cardinals.” The announcement was first made via their Twitter feed and Facebook page. The exhibit will cover most of the 2012 baseball season, running from March 3 through September 16.
Though there are no documented reports of the 42nd President of the United States attending a Cardinals contest while in office from 1993-2001, he listened to the St. Louis Cardinals on the radio while growing up in Arkansas and has remained a strong supporter of the national pastime.
As documented in the attached photo, Clinton attended a Cardinals-New York Mets game at Shea Stadium on August 22, 2006, visiting the St. Louis clubhouse. (I was also working that game, though I did not come into contact with Clinton.) “I’m so old, I remember Harry Caray calling the Cardinal games,” Clinton cracked at the time. Earlier, in February 1993, the President was presented with a Cardinals jacket during an appearance at St. Louis’ Union Station.
His wife Hillary grew up as a Chicago Cubs fan. An Illinois native, Ms. Clinton is the current Secretary of State. She added American League allegiance to the Yankees in 1999 when preparing for her successful run for one of the New York seats in the US Senate.
Opened in 2004, the Clinton Library and Museum is located in Little Rock, Arkansas within the Clinton Presidential Center and Park, along with the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service, and the Little Rock offices of the Clinton Foundation.
In addition to Clinton’s archival collection and research facilities, the Clinton Presidential Library and Museum features exhibits, special events and educational programs. The museum includes replicas of the Oval Office and the Cabinet Room.
Updates: Some basic information can be seen here about the 100-item exhibit and several special limited-time artifacts. They include the World Series trophies from 2006 and 2011, World Series rings, and a newly-restored Stan Musial uniform.
Baseball Hall of Famer and Arkansas native Lou Brock will speak at the exhibit’s grand opening on Friday, March 2. The grand opening program and reception are free, however, reservations are required. RSVP to 501-748-0425 or by emailing operationslr@clintonfoundation.org.
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