WATERBURY, CONN.- The Mattatuck Museum surveys Americas Greatest Game: Baseballs Greatest Rivalry Yankees or Red Sox through November 15. Waterbury has long been a dividing line, geographically, between these two longtime fan bases and makes for a natural setting for this exhibition.
The exhibition is curated by art dealer and sports enthusiasts Neil Scherer of GoingGoingGoneSports. com, who sought to unite the sports and art worlds in reliving this century-old rivalry.
The show includes nearly 20 displays showcasing such moments as Bucky Dents 1978 playoff home run that broke the hearts of the Red Sox Nation. Game ticket, program, even a piece of the famous Green Monster and autographs of all players who played in that classic game are included. Other tributes include celebrating Joe DiMaggios 56-game hitting streak with authenticated autographs of every pitcher who fell victim to the Yankee Clipper during the record streak.
Mickey Mantles World Series home run record is given its due with a work including not only a large signed photo of Number 7, but tickets from every World Series clout and the autograph of every pitcher he connected off of in the fall classic. Don Larsen's Perfect Game is given special attention with a rare autographed score program but none other then Ed Sullivan one of the lucky ones to be in attendance.
Another work captures the 1961 chase by Roger Maris to become the new single-season home run holder with tickets and scored programs from his 60th and 61st home run. A signed photo of the Babe along with the rare 1927 game ticket from his 60th home run is represented. The exhibition features autographs of every Yankee player who played in the 1927 World Series, tickets from all four World Series games, program and a check signed by Yankee owner Colonel Ruppert.
Red Sox Fans will rejoice with the tribute Green Monster Heroes, which includes the three Hall of Famers Ted Williams, Yaz and Jim Rice with signed photos patrolling left field.
Another work brings attention to the 100 years of Fenway Park with multiple rare items, while art work from Gary Erbe, Adam Port and Ben Ganz round out this exhibition. Mr. Ports painting depicting "Lou Gehrig's farewell" is one work that leaves visitors amazed and speechless.