Play Ball! Baseball Exhibit Comes to Fredericksburg Area Museum

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — A new baseball-themed exhibit is open at the Fredericksburg Area Museum on Princess Anne Street. The exhibit, "Playball! America's pastime in Fredericksburg" chronicles 160 years of the sport's history in the region, according to a news release from the museum.

"For over 160 years, Fredericksburg area residents have played, watched, listened to, and loved the sport of baseball," the Fredericksburg Area Museum said in the news release. "The game is woven into the fabric of our region's community."

The exhibit is sponsored by a partnership between Germanna Community College and the Fredericksburg Nationals. The experience uses photos, jerseys, baseballs, and other memorabilia to trace baseball's path from its inception to its future, the museum said.

Melanie Johnson, the exhibit's designer, used thoughtful design techniques to allow the exhibit to flow effectively. The exhibit's displays include "Early Roots," "Unfair Ball," and "Heavy Hitters."

The experience also includes a display for the city's newest baseball team: the Fredericksburg Nationals. Art Silber, the owner of the Fredericksburg Nationals, loaned the museum several items from the team. The "Playball!" exhibit also features Silber's personal autographed baseball collection.

The Fredericksburg Nationals are scheduled to begin their inaugural season in Fredericksburg this May, after 35 years in Woodbridge. According to the Fredericksburg Area Museum, the Silbers cited Fredericksburg's history as one of the reason they decided to move their team to the city.

Seth Silber is the team's treasurer and the son of Art Silber. "The history of Fredericksburg and the history of baseball in Fredericksburg are incredibly deep and rich," Seth Silber said. "We are thrilled to be a part of bringing that history alive in this incredible exhibit that serves as a tribute to the history of this sport that means so much to our family and this community."

See also: Fredericksburg Nationals To Start Play In May, Will Have Fans

The Fredericksburg Area Museum is located at 907 Princess Anne Street in downtown Fredericksburg. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Wednesday.