World Series Wisconsin Celebrates Baseball Victories
 Eddie Mathews slides into home against the Chicago Cubs, July 7, 1957. WHS Image ID 6225 Remember Eddie Mathews' dramatic 10th-inning homer from game four of the 1957 World Series, or Paul Molitor's record-setting five hits in the opener of the 1982 World Series? Relive the excitement of the zenith years of Milwaukee's champion baseball teams — the Braves and the Brewers — in the new exhibition, World Series Wisconsin, available for view July 17 through January 12, 2008 at the Wisconsin Historical Museum.
The exhibition celebrates this year's 50th anniversary of the "Bushville" Braves' World Championship victory over the New York Yankees and the 25th anniversary of the time "Harvey's Wallbangers" won the American League pennant.
What You'll See
World Series Wisconsin presents the stories of the teams' peak seasons through an impressive collection of dozens of authentic, game-used uniforms, equipment, and gear.
 Road jersey worn by Braves outfielder Hank Aaron in 1956 and 1957. From the collection of Stephen Wong "Must-see" artifacts include:
From 1957
From 1982
- Pete Vuckovich's glove
- Paul Molitor's batting helmet
- Robin Yount's World Series bat and ball
Hall of Fame Players
The'‘57 Braves and the '82 Brewers each included four Hall of Fame players, and World Series Wisconsin has genuine artifacts from each player. Discover Warren Spahn's 1954 road jersey, Eddie Mathews' warm-up jacket, and Rollie Fingers' 1981 home jersey. Helping make the transition between Milwaukee's two Major League teams, the show displays Hank Aaron's 1976 Brewers jersey and batting helmet.
Stadium and Fan Objects
While the exhibition focuses on authentic player-used objects, the experiences of Wisconsin’s devoted fans are not forgotten. The exhibition features original objects from Milwaukee County Stadium:
 Microphone and two-way radio used by Earl Gillespie to announce Braves games at County Stadium. Courtesy of Dave Klug
- seats
- part of the scoreboard
- a home plate
- a '57 World Series flag
- a microphone used by Earl Gillespie in his radio broadcast coverage of the Braves.
Score sheets, programs, tickets, pennants, baseball cards, and other fan memorabilia document the two World Series.
Sights and Sounds of the Seasons
The exhibition includes scores of historical photographs depicting the history-making players and games. Original film footage and clips of radio broadcasts bring Milwaukee baseball's finest moments to life in two in-gallery videos and an audio presentation.
 On display in World Series Wisconsin: Batting helmet worn by Milwaukee Brewers designated hitter Henry Aaron, 1976. It is likely that Aaron was wearing this helmet when he hit home run number 755 on July 20, 1976 at County Stadium. Courtesy of Troy Kinunen
Enjoy vintage baseball games at historic sites:
Related online features:
For Teachers
The Wisconsin Historical Museum has developed an educational activity booklet, Thinking Baseball, downloadable as a PDF. Thinking Baseball can be used to learn how to calculate baseball statistics, develop mathematical skills, and further discover Wisconsin's baseball history. For questions about the booklet, or to receive a hard copy, contact Beth Lemke.
Exhibit Related Merchandise
World Series Wisconsin commemorative merchandise and books on baseball history are available at the Wisconsin Historical Museum store and through the online store. Of special interest to collectors is a limited-edition baseball card set honoring the 1957 Milwaukee Braves. |
