BOCA RATON, Fla. — The former Kansas City Royals owner Avron Fogelman has donated his vast sports memorabilia collection to Florida Atlantic University.
The total gift is valued at more than $10 million, including memorabilia and cash, making it the fifth largest one-time donation in FAU's history.
Here are some highlights of the memorabilia on display at the Fogelman Sports Museum at the Schmidt Family Complex for Academic and Athletic Excellence – scheduled to open this December.
- The 13 original rules of basketball by James Naismith
- Babe Ruth’s pinstripe uniform pants worn on his first day as a New York Yankee in 1921
- Joe DiMaggio’s 1936 rookie uniform
- Roger Maris’ uniform worn in 1961 when he broke the single season home run record
- Hank Aaron’s uniform worn in 1974 when he broke the career home run record
- 1985 Kansas City Royals World Series Trophy
- Final cleats worn by football great Jim Thorpe
- Football signed by the undefeated 1972 Miami Dolphins
- The 1969 Ryder Cup Trophy
- Baseballs signed by sports legends, entertainers, politicians and historical figures
- Special “one of a kind” sports artifacts never seen before
“Creating an exhibit to display this collection is a way for us to protect our history; it is a living, breathing account of our country’s history, America’s Pastime and other sports told through artifacts, my own personal stories and the stories of my friends,” said Fogelman. “If we forget our history we cannot serve as good stewards of our future. FAU understands how to display this collection so it educates and inspires as many people as possible.”
The museum will be a free attraction for locals, tourists and sports lovers.
