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The Bob Feller Hometown Exhibit is located in Van Meter, IA. Baseball memorabilia, including uniforms, rare photographs and awards, highlight Feller's Hall of fame career with the Cleveland Indians. A massive brick relief mural covering one exterior wall depicts "Rapid Robert" in a series of classic pitching poses. Bob was the youngest regular starting pitcher in major league games at age 17. He gained his nickname because he could throw at 100+ mph. The glove was worn when he pitched the only opening day no-hitter in baseball history on April 16th, 1940. Between 1936 and 1940 a Homecoming day was declared in Van Meter for Bob Feller after the conclusion of each baseball season with a full day of festivities. Look at the program. With the start of WW II he enlisted in the navy and served on the USS Alabama for the entire war rising to the rank of Chief Petty Officer. He then returned to the Cleveland Indians where he completed his career. When Babe Ruth gave his farewell speech at Yankee Stadium he used Feller's bat to lean on. The bat is shared by the Feller Exhibit and Cooperstown Hall of Fame Museum during alternate years. |
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