The Matthews Sports Exhibit
This impressive exhibit, from the collection of Dr. Robert Matthews, features memorabilia from leading sports stars, past and present, and includes:
- A unique set of mounted baseball cards representing 142 Jewish Major League players.
- An extensive collection of rare, documented items relating to Morris “Moe” Berg, a Major League catcher who worked as a spy for the OSS (Office of Strategic Services) and the CIA during and after WWII. An acquaintance of Albert Einstein, Berg was a Princeton graduate whose 1934 films of Tokyo reportedly were viewed by military intelligence prior to the historic 1942 Doolittle air raid on Japan. Included in the Matthews collection is a 1923 yearbook from Berg’s days at Princeton; his handwritten 1934 income tax return; Berg’s WWII ration card; his only published article (in the Atlantic Monthly); a check signed by Berg; books from Berg’s private library; and declassified Top Secret documents.
- An original work of art, depicting 26 current and former Jewish baseball players that includes autographs and personal inscriptions.
- An autographed copy of the 1948 first edition of Babe Ruth’s autobiography.
- A 1953 Lafayette High School yearbook with Sandy Koufax’s signature and notes.
- Two kippot signed by Sandy Koufax, from only a handful of such items known to exist. The kippot were to be given as awards to students at a Jewish religious school.
- Baseballs, a bat, a first baseman’s glove and a 1927 James Monroe High School yearbook signed by Tigers legend Hank (born Hyman) Greenberg.
- Miguel Cabrera’s signed baseballs, bats and batting helmet.
- A program and ticket from the first Super Bowl (1967).
- A football helmet signed by the 1972 Miami Dolphins, the only National Football League team to complete a perfect (17-0) season, including winning the Super Bowl.
- A check signed by legendary Green Bay Packers coach Vince Lombardi.