FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Annie Vogt
September 20, 2012 Phone: (757) 393‐8031, ext. 13
Cell: (757) 574‐3211
Email: vogta@vshfm.com

Teachers and Kids Get Ready to Step in the Batter’s Box

Families are invited to visit the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame & Museum to show us their fastball while teachers will hit a homerun with our new Math Academy

PORTSMOUTH, VA – Baseball and math are the buzz words at the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame & Museum on Saturday, October 6. Our “Batter Up for Baseball” Family Fun Day takes place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and features games, crafts and more for the whole family. On the same day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the museum’s Teacher Open House will introduce educators to our new Math Academy and dynamic education programs.

During the Teacher Open House, teachers and one guest will receive free admission with a valid teacher ID. We will spotlight new Math Academy program demonstrations, because we know that if you love sports, you love math! Teachers will meet museum educators, visit the classrooms, and tour the Sports Hall of Fame & Museum.
Family Fun Day activities are included with admission and feature baseball related activities including arts and crafts and a baseball speed pitch contest. Baseball players will be featured in the rotating exhibit, “Virginians in the Spotlight,” including:

Gene Alley‐ A class of 1989 inductee and Bill Mazeroski’s double play partner, Alley played shortstop for the Pittsburgh Pirates. His best season took place in 1967 where he was named a National League All‐Star, and he reached the ultimate goal of winning a world series with the Pirates in 1970.

Granny Hamner‐ When he played shortstop for the Philadelphia Phillies, Hamner was known as the “Whiz Kid.” Hamner was born in Richmond, Va. and played 16 full seasons in the Major Leagues. He was inducted into the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame in 1981.

Jim Lemon‐ A Covington, Va. native, Lemon was best known for his time with the Washington Senators where he also spent one year managing the team. Lemon was named an American League All‐Star in 1960, and was inducted in 1988.

Arthur “Bud” Metheny‐ A class of 1979 inductee, Metheny is well‐known throughout the state of Virginia not only for playing for the New York Yankees, but also by serving as Old Dominion’s Athletic Director between the years 1963 and 1970. Metheny was the last member of the Yankees to wear the number 3 before it was retired to honor Babe Ruth.

With the World Series right around the corner, visiting the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame & Museum should be a priority for any sports fan.

Looking ahead, on Saturday, December 1, a football‐themed Family Fun Day will feature more arts and crafts and contests.

The Virginia Sports Hall of Fame & Museum is open daily during the fall and winter from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $7 per person, $6 military or senior citizen (age 65+) and free for members and children 2 or younger.
For more information, call (757) 393‐8031 or visit our website at www.vshfm.com

The Virginia Sports Hall of Fame & Museum is located at 206 High Street in Portsmouth. Fall and Winter hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday – Friday, Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. The museum is closed Mondays after Labor Day until Memorial Day and on select winter holidays. Admission is $7 per person; $6 military; $6 seniors 65 and older and free for ages 2 and under. Parking is located behind the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame & Museum in the Middle Street Parking Garage. FREE parking is available on weekends and after 6 p.m. on weekdays.