The game of baseball is known as America’s Pastime and for Hattiesburg it has always been an important sport for both players and fans alike. Pharmacists and owners of Smith Drug Co., Hammond Smith and James Cohen were longtime supporters of youth baseball. Their business sponsored local teams for many years, and the two men served as mentors to many of the young baseball players. In honor of Smith Drug Company’s first anniversary of being opened as a museum, the Sixth Street Museum District will open a three month-long exhibit titled Generations Strong: Let’s Play Ball!
The exhibit is a special baseball collection, which will feature photographs, baseball bats, caps, cards and other treasured memorabilia highlighting African American ball players representing and celebrating local African American youth and professional baseball players.
During the event, former players from the 1977 Hub City Little Leaguers team (Hattiesburg), the only Mississippi team ever to advance to the Little League World Series will speak and share some of their baseball memories. Museum guests will also enjoy iconic baseball game food favorites including hot dogs, popcorn, soft drinks and a special “Home Run” Smith Drug Co. malt.
This event finished on 24 June 2023