A Century of Play and Paint
On the second floor of the Sangamon County Building, two distinct exhibitions open to the public Monday through Friday, inviting visitors to explore a century of women’s baseball in the region during regular hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The historical showcase, curated by Frank Myers and supported by the Sangamon County Board, traces the evolution of women’s baseball and softball from 1875 to 1975, presenting photographs, player cards, a replica uniform and other artifacts that belonged to pioneering teams such as the Blondes and the Brunettes of Springfield.
Among the artifacts are items linked to James Fitzpatrick and Anna Sielaff, whose contributions are highlighted alongside stories of the Springfield Sallies, a franchise that once competed in the All‑American Girls Professional Baseball League.
Volunteer Betsy Dollar and youth coordinator Stephanie Martin helped gather the memorabilia and coordinate the public reception, reflecting the community’s deep involvement.
Adjacent to the historical narrative, artist Rod Buffington presents a series of seven large watercolor paintings, each rendered in a quilt‑like composition that layers fabric, paper and mixed media over the painted surface.
Buffington, a lifelong baseball enthusiast and founder of Rotary Day at the Ballpark in St. Louis, brings his personal collection of memorabilia to the exhibit, linking his artistic practice with community outreach efforts supported by Rotary International.
Curator Andy Van Meter emphasized the synergy between sport and visual art, noting that the exhibition underscores Springfield’s growing cultural footprint.
The watercolors depict major league stadiums from Milwaukee to Houston, offering a visual tour that complements the historical narrative and ties the displays to games at Robin Roberts Stadium, where the inaugural season of the Women’s Professional Baseball League is being played.
The historical exhibit will remain on display through October, while the watercolor collection stays up until early September, providing ample opportunity for fans of sport and art to engage with the installations.
Local organizations including the Springfield Art Association and the Sangamon County Historical Society have partnered on the project, underscoring a collaborative effort to celebrate both athletic heritage and creative expression.