Baseball WA Hall of Fame Room Opens at Heritage Museum to Highlight Amazing Achievements at Home and Abroad

“The Hall of Fame Room was made possible through funding from Doug Mateljan and the Federal Stronger Communities Grants Program,” Museum Coordinator Paul Tye said. “The project started two years ago when a small maintenance shed attached to the main museum building was converted into a room specifically to honour and acknowledge the Baseball WA Hall of Fame inductees, of which there are currently 40 (13 of whom are deceased).”At the official opening ceremony, four Indigenous dot-painted baseballs were presented to the Patron of the Museum, Ms Pat Morris, Adam Hort, Deputy Mayor of the City of Gosnells, Doug Mateljan and Matt Keogh for their contributions to the project and development of the Baseball Museum.The Heritage Committee hopes to extend the current museum building to increase display space, and the official launch served as a fundraiser to further their efforts.

“Through the generosity of ex-Claxton Shield players and family members of deceased players, we raised $35,000 on the day. The target is $50,000,” Tye said.

600 players have represented WA in the Claxton Shield since 1937 but only 40 have been recognised by their peers to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

“Through the Museum and Hall of Fame Room, their legacy will continue for generations to appreciate their achievements in baseball,” Tye added. “Each player has been encouraged to donate a piece of their memorabilia to be displayed in the room.”

The museum is open most Tuesday mornings and also available by appointment in the off-season at Empire Ballpark in Thornlie. During the Perth Heat ABL season, the museum is always open during double-header games with approximately 1,000 visitors last year.