President of National Baseball Hall of Fame Impressed with Project

It's not often fans get a chance to see the home of a major league baseball player.

But next season, that is what is in store for fans that come to Hank Aaron Stadium. After more than a year, renovations to Hank Aaron's childhood home will be complete and ready for the public to see a part of history. Under the guidance of Mobile BayBears president/COO Bill Shanahan and assistant general manager Mike Callahan, members of the National Baseball Hall of Fame think it's headed in the right direction.

"It's a huge task the BayBears are taking on, but I am impressed with how things are going and I think the finished product is going to be great for the Aaron family and the city of Mobile," HOF senior director of exhibitions Erik Strohl said. "Putting together a museum brings a lot of challenges, but I think Bill and Mike have done a great job in getting the museum ready for viewing."

The last time Strohl was in Mobile was when the home was being moved from it original place in Toulminville. Strohl said between then and now, things are really starting to take shape.

"The only time I saw the home was when it was being moved," Strohl said. "To see it now, and the things that have been done, is really impressive."

Baseball Hall of Fame president Jeff Idelson echoed Strohl's comments.

"I think the BayBears have the right management in place to take on a project of this magnitude," Idelson said. "To see how quickly things are progressing with the museum is a compliment to that point. I have no doubt the museum is going to be a big success."

"It's quite exciting to think that the president of our National Baseball Hall of Fame visits us in Mobile, Alabama," Shanahan said. "When you have an American hero like Hank Aaron born here --- it's a humbling experience."

Strohl said the main difference in the Hank Aaron Childhood Home and Museum compared to that of other museums dedicated to former big leaguers is the Hank Aaron home is at the ballpark.

"Mobile will be able to draw museum going fans as well as baseball fans that come to the game. I think that is why this is going to a huge success for the BayBears."

The Hank Aaron Childhood Home and Museum is set to open on April 14 --- Opening Day --- for the 2010 season, when the BayBears take on the Birmingham Barons.