From the legendary Brooklyn Dodgers to the groundbreaking athletes of the Negro Leagues, a new exhibition at Brooklyn College is celebrating the borough’s rich baseball heritage and the enduring impact the game has had on Brooklyn’s identity.
“Brooklyn’s Fields of Dreams,” on display through November in the Brooklyn College Archives at the library, showcases rare photographs, archival materials, memorabilia, and historical documents that tell the story of baseball’s evolution in Brooklyn and its lasting place in the borough’s cultural fabric.
While the exhibition honors the iconic legacy of the Dodgers, it also uncovers lesser-known chapters of Brooklyn’s baseball history. Visitors can explore the stories of Brooklyn’s three Negro League teams, learn about the contributions of Jewish players who helped shape the sport, and discover the 19th-century ballparks that established Brooklyn as one of the nation’s earliest baseball hotbeds.
Part of the exhibit tips its cap to Jewish baseball players, including Sam Nahem, a pitcher for the Brooklyn Dodgers from 1938 to 1945. Nahem broke barriers as one of the few Jewish players in Major League Baseball during his era. His career and legacy reflect the contributions of Jewish athletes to America’s pastime and the rich cultural history of baseball in Brooklyn.
The exhibition also highlights Brooklyn College’s own ties to the game. Among the featured alumni is Herman Goldberg, a 1935 graduate who competed as a member of the U.S. baseball team at the 1936 Olympic Games. Goldberg later played minor league and semi-professional baseball from 1937 to 1939, exemplifying the college’s longstanding connection to America’s pastime.
More than just a historical display, this nod to America’s pastime’s past is the result of a shared passion for both baseball and Brooklyn College, making it a true labor of love for everyone involved.
A large part of the exhibit highlights the Brooklyn Dodgers and explores the team’s enduring impact on Brooklyn’s identity, celebrating the players, fans, and historic moments that helped make the borough a cornerstone of baseball history. Visitors will find archival photos, fascinating facts, and even uniforms and caps.
Much of the memorabilia featured in the exhibition was generously lent by Ron Schweiger, a Brooklyn College alumnus who earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 1970 and a master’s degree in elementary education with a special curriculum in science in 1975. He is also the former president of the Brooklyn College Alumni Association. Schweiger, who served as Brooklyn Borough Historian for 24 years and is now Brooklyn Borough Historian Emeritus, is widely known for his extensive collection of Brooklyn Dodgers memorabilia. His home has been described as a museum dedicated to preserving the team’s history and legacy.
The exhibition also benefited from contributions by fellow Brooklyn College alumnus Doron Levy, who graduated in 1984 with a degree in history. Levy donated a collection of Jewish baseball memorabilia and other historical artifacts. His sister, Sharona Levy, a professor in the Department of Communication Arts, Sciences, and Disorders, played a key role in connecting the collection with the college. After learning about the materials, she introduced them to Associate Archivist Marianne LaBatto, helping bring the project to fruition.
A section of the exhibit highlights Brooklyn’s rich Negro Leagues history, featuring teams such as the Brooklyn Eagles and the Brooklyn Royal Giants. Through photographs, memorabilia, and historical accounts, it honors the players and pioneers who showcased extraordinary talent—including the Brooklyn Dodgers Jackie Robinson—while helping pave the way for the integration of professional baseball.
From there, students involved in museum studies became an integral part of the process, helping design and assemble the displays. Their efforts transformed a remarkable collection of artifacts into a vibrant exhibition that captures Brooklyn’s unique and influential place in baseball history. The project was also educational for such students as film major Emily Quintero, who is minoring in museum studies and helped assemble the display for the exhibit that celebrates turn-of-the-century baseball history.
One of the last original home plates from Ebbets Field in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn, home to the Brooklyn Dodgers.
The Brooklyn College Archives is located in 130 Library. “Brooklyn’s Fields of Dreams” is free and open to the public during regular library hours through November.
Visitors can also watch a behind-the-scenes look at the exhibition through a special video featuring Schweiger and Levy, who share stories and insights about many of the historical items on display. And learn more about Schweiger and his dedication to preserving Brooklyn baseball history in this NY1 feature here.
