HERNANDO, Fla. -- The Ted Williams Museum and Hitters Hall of Fame is closing its doors Sunday, a victim of a lack of attendance and interest following the baseball star's death.
The diamond-shaped museum, which opened in 1994, attracted sports legends to its many events and featured a collection that chronicled Williams life, including his exploits as a fighter pilot, Boston Red Sox player and accomplished fisherman.
David Staples, a volunteer who has worked at the museum since its opening, said poor attendance caused in part by its out-of-the-way location in west-central Florida made running the museum too expensive.
Staples has seen prominent figures such as Joe DiMaggio, Muhammad Ali and President George H.W. Bush attend ceremonies at the museum.
Many other sports figures came to visit and share time with Williams, the last hitter to bat .400. And fans would pass by to see if they can get to see Williams, who lived nearby.
But after Williams' death in July 2002, that stopped happening.
The baseball exhibits are being moved to Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, and Staples hopes a home can be found for the fishing
memorabilia and war exhibits as well.