CARTERVILLE - People were chomping at the bit, er, actually on hot dogs and apple pie, to get a look at a new exhibit at John A. Logan College Tuesday night.

The all-American menu was in keeping with the theme of the opening night party for the Jerome "Mimi" Alongi Baseball Memorabilia Collection a celebration of America's pastime now on display at the college.

Family members of the late Mimi Alongi loaned the college more than 100 of the most unique and valued items from Alongi's personal collection. A scout for a number of major league baseball teams including 25 years with the New York Mets, Alongi built up one of the most celebrated memorabilia collections in the Midwest during his 40-plus years of collecting.

Among the items on display just inside the college's main entrance are baseballs signed by greats Babe Ruth, Dizzy Dean, Connie Mack and Stan Musial, as well as Hartland statues, vintage Nodders and a rare complete set of 1954 Red Hart baseball cards - the only year the cards were put out by the dog food company.

The collection was organized by Adrienne Barkley Giffin, JALC director of activities, with help from Shannon Woodworth, the media relations facilitator for the college.

Robert Mees, JALC president, said the college is pleased to host the exhibit. "When you think of Mimi Alongi, you think of John A. Logan College. He loved the college and the college loved him. We're very honored to have the opportunity to host the first showing of this unbelievable collection," Mees said. "It's never been shown anywhere before and we couldn't show everything it's too big. But what's being shown here, I think, will be something everyone will just love to see."

Alongi's widow, Dorothy, and son, Guy, said they appreciated the opportunity to share the collection with the public. "One thing I know that Dad would love is not only that we are showing it, but we're showing it here. He loved this college," said Guy Alongi, who also serves as chairman of the Illinois Community College Board.

Tim Williams, JALC assistant baseball coach, was among those who got a sneak peek at the exhibit Tuesday night.

"This collection really reflects the passion Mimi had for the sport of baseball, and the admiration he had for those that played the game as well as those who kept the game going like the people behind the scenes," Williams said.

The collection will be displayed to the public through July 17. The exhibit will be available for public viewing from 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday. Guided tours may be arranged by calling the college at (618) 985-2828, ext. 8287.

beckym@onecliq.net

(618) 927-5633