Take Me Out to the Lab
This ExhibitLab display explores how modern baseball has been shaped by science.
Opens July 1, 2026
Horiba Exhibit Hall
Baseball has been America’s pastime since the 1800s—but we’ve come a long way from wool breeches and baseballs made of old shoe leather!
This ExhibitLab traces how both professional regulations and scientific discoveries have shaped the game we know today. In addition to advertisements and illustrations, other featured objects include a sample of artificial turf from Philadelphia’s Veterans Stadium, a selection of popular bat woods throughout history, and an “Ode to Tommy John Surgery” statuette.
Take Me Out to the Lab was curated by Institute museum educator Alex Asal with assistance from the collections team.
About ExhibitLab
ExhibitLab is the Science History Institute’s space in the Horiba Exhibit Hall for small, focused displays that showcase specific collections, prototype new ideas, or respond to current events. Our staff members, fellows, and school and community partners curate these displays.
For more information about ExhibitLab, please contact Scott Bowe at sbowe@sciencehistory.org.
Featured image: Photo of a boy posed with Styrofoam ball and baseball bat, 1966.
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Horiba Exhibit Hall is named for Japanese businessman and 2006 Pittcon Heritage Award winner Masao Horiba (1924–2015), founder of Horiba Radio Laboratory, now Horiba Ltd., a manufacturer of advanced analytical and measurement technology.