Newport Sports Museum

Finally, a diversion for sports fans who have been to their share of ballgames.

Sometimes, it's good to be a little bored. After a doctor's visit in one of the several cookie-cutter medical towers along the coast in Newport Beach, I thought it would be disappointing to head straight home. On an impulse, I turned right onto the oval that is Newport Center Drive instead of the usual left. Passing the Fashion Island mall complex and the Pacific Life building on the ocean, I felt somewhat sheepish for having headed in no particular direction. But then, it hit me.

At the intersection of Newport Center and Corporate Plaza, there's a small sign indicating that the Newport Sports Museum is ahead. Aside from this marking, there is little to draw the observer toward the building that houses a surprising array of memorabilia. However, I had passed the sign enough times in the past to pique my curiosity, and this was the perfect opportunity to visit. As I walked toward the door, I noticed several construction workers entering as well. For a split second, I wondered if this might not be the best time to check out the collection. But the same part of my mind that encouraged me to come this far was not about to turn back. I can unequivocally say that I made the right decision.

As I entered, I had a flashback to another sports collection I visited in San Jose when I was early for a Sharks hockey game, which turned out to be a showroom for potential buyers. I asked the receptionist at the entrance whether this was actually a gallery, and she informed me that none of the pieces were for sale. As it turned out, this was not the only difference between this 15-room collection and the one I remembered from Northern California.

First of all, the Newport Sports Museum's assembly is impressively extensive. From autographed footballs, to Presidential golf balls, to Olympic swim caps, the place is loaded with clothing and gear used in athletic competition. Additionally, the museum does not confine itself to recent years: 'anti-shank' golf clubs from the late 19th century stand are included along with cartoonish-looking Shaquille O'Neal shoes.

Another fascinating aspect of being able to see this equipment displayed lies in the details of each piece. I was pleased to see a hockey stick once swung by Jaromir Jagr, star right wing for the New York Rangers. In small print on the side of the lumber were the words: "The Choice For Me: Drug Free." It was the sort of thing one might not even have noticed watching a game on television. Furthermore, on a ball autographed by Jackie Robinson, it was interesting to note that the baseball pioneer's artful signature was written in ink the color of Los Angeles Dodgers blue. One room contains several glass cases of baseballs signed by winners of every World Series since 1940, including a ball intended for use in the 1994 World Series cancelled due to a strike.

Above all, game-worn jerseys steal the show: while many are from local teams, a large number of franchises are represented. A couple of the highlights include a Paul Kariya sweater worn during the Mighty Ducks' run to the 2003 Western Conference Championship, a baby blue shirt worn by the Royals' George Brett, and Dan Marino's famous #13. Universities are included as well: nearly an entire room is devoted to the history of USC and UCLA football, including the Trojans' rivalry with Notre Dame, complete with uniforms from decades past. Does anyone else remember when the LA Kings regularly wore purple and yellow?

Some of the artifacts in the collection are placed in historical context. For instance, a humorous and yellowed newspaper clipping complements the exhibit of prehistoric-looking golf balls, including one that was 'hand-scored' about a century ago. The article jokes that golfers should boast about never having lost to great professionals such as Francis Ouimet, because such a statement would probably be true. In the same fashion, the description under Jim Craig's apparel retells the story of the American hockey team's Miracle on Ice performance in the 1980 Olympic Games, recently the subject of a major movie. Even tickets from the Los Angeles Olympics and souvenirs from the Mighty Ducks' inaugural year are labeled clearly.

Upon visiting the museum's website, I learned a little more about its purpose. Founder John W. Hamilton opened the building in 1995 after having collected pieces for decades, and insisted that it never charge the public for entry. Today, the hall hopes to inspire children, and even allows clubs of 30 or more to tour it guided by a sports personality. In fact, many athletes have donated to the assembly in hopes of having a continued positive impact on the lives of local youth. I was the only visitor in the time I walked the museum, but it's heartening to know that it can have that kind of an effect.

Newport Sports Museum
100 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach
Open: Monday through Friday, 9am-6pm and Saturday, 10am-3pm.