“Play ball!” said Professor of Religion and Co-Director of the Institute for Baseball Studies Joseph Price at the Institute’s grand opening celebrated on January 16.
In a real festive atmosphere which included hot dogs, peanuts, and Cracker Jack, the opening of the Institute gathered more than 200 baseball fans, including community leaders, Whittier College faculty, staff, students, and friends.
The first humanities-based research center of its kind associated with a college or university in the United States is located in the third floor of Mendenhall and is a collaborative effort of Whittier College and the Baseball Reliquary. The Reliquary’s Executive Director Terry Cannon, is the Co-Director of the Institute.
The Institute will offer to the public exhibits and collections of baseball resources. The access to these resources will prompt the exchange of ideas, the development of research initiatives, and the creation of programs highlighting baseball’s significance in American culture. Classes related to baseball will also be available to Whittier College students but no major or minor is offered at this time.
Congresswoman Linda Sanchez, representative for the 38th congressional district and the only woman member of the congressional baseball team, was present at the event and commended Whittier College and the Baseball Reliquary for its efforts to encourage the study of America’s favorite pastime.
Beginning Friday, January 23, the Institute for Baseball Studies will be accessible to students, scholars, and the general public. The Institute will be open to the public on Fridays between 2 and 4 p.m. during the school year and on other days by appointment only.
