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Project Summary

Located on the campus of Montclair State University in Montclair, NJ, the Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center’s mission is to sustain and promote values of respect, perseverance, sportsmanship and excellence through inclusive, culturally diverse sports-based educational exhibits and programs. It is a unique and engaging setting that reflects the good nature, humor and humility of the “accidental philosopher” that it is dedicated to.

One of the most popular attractions in the museum, The “PITCH!” immersive experience was intended to excite visitors of all ages. It needed to allow them to face off against an animated batter and catcher, track the ball’s velocity and accuracy, then respond with a “strike” or “ball” call, along with an apt “Yogi-ism”. James Sprayberry, TRITECH’s NJ office’s GM, worked hand in hand with exhibit designers Responsive Spaces, to develop and implement the technology and environment for the PITCH Experience. James faced a multitude of challenges along the way: what type of ball would provide the most accurate experience, what type of glass would best protect the video displays, which netting was safest yet allow maximum visibility. Other areas in the facility presented different challenges like isolating exhibit audio, providing clear sight lines and controlling lighting intensity and directionality, all of which James and the rest of the design team took on.

TRITECH provided a wide variety of components for the PITCH Experience that were seamlessly integrated to create an attraction that is fun, safe, portable, user-friendly and maintenance free. James’ intimate knowledge and passion for the game not only gave him additional insight into how to make the attraction realistic but made the project a lot of fun for him and the TRITECH Team.

James summed up the project this way: “Watching Yankee greats and Hall of Fame players getting excited as they threw a plastic ball at the image of Yogi in his famous stance, was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I knew we’d hit it out of the park”. The museum has become a popular destination for visitors of all ages and a valuable resource for school groups and organizations looking to promote the values that Yogi and his legacy represent.