{"value"=>"<p>The Sports Department maintained exhibits and hosted special programs in the Academy of Sport building and in the outdoor Court of Sport. These included a trophy, bronze shoe and baseball exhibit; baseball and football classes led by professional athletes, including Babe Ruth, Joe DiMaggio and Lou Gehrig; and contests for best sports cartoon and best sports photograph. The advisory committee, a group of influential editors, athletes and other sports professionals, played a significant role in departmental activities, with members securing top personalities for various programs. The committee was also responsible for choosing the winner of the Golden Laurel prize awarded to the year's outstanding amateur or professional athlete. Records include the correspondence of director Christy Walsh and assistant director J.A. Bihler with athletes, sports clubs, editors, photographers and fans. Additional materials include scripts of radio broadcasts, press releases, programs of events, clippings, financial records, and children's letters about the sports school for a promotional contest. The Motorcade files include photographs of Babe Ruth on parade and Ruth's signature on his personal stationery, which was used for reproduction on paper baseballs thrown to the parade crowd.</p>"}