July 9, 2010
Springfield, MA
Al and I started the day by adjusting the Rover's Parking Brake, and then headed north to Springfield and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. It's amazing to me that we lived so close for so many years and never visited, but that's what happens: life is too busy and you never really get to see the sights in your own back yard.
The current Hall facility is actually the third incarnation of the Basketball Hall of Fame. Incorporated in 1959 with the first inductees, the Hall didn't have a formal home until 1968. Major renovations and expansions in 1985 and 2002 have created a world-class museum, all within a stone's throw (or a long jump shot?) of where the game was invented in 1891.
The exhibits focus on all aspects of the game, with focal points on the game's origins and early years, college and professional leagues, men's and women's players and teams, etc. There's a whole section devoted to Michael Jordan, as might be expected, and some elements are perhaps Celtic-centric (also not a huge surprise), but overall it was a nice way to spend an afternoon. With UCONN developing as a powerhouse in the East, it was interesting to see several pieces of their memorabilia, including a jersey with Britt's number (she played for one of the UCONN satellite schools in her freshman year). Good stuff!
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