WILSON, N.C. — The

North Carolina Baseball Museum

officially opened its doors Monday in Wilson. One of baseball's greatest names helped open it.

Even people who are not baseball fans can appreciate North Carolina's historical connection to the game, which is documented in the museum.

"At one time in the 30s, 40s, and 50s, there were more people in the major leagues from the state of North Carolina than anywhere other state in the country," museum organizer Lee Gliarmis said.

Located at Fleming Stadium, the museum includes uniforms, cards, photos and other baseball artifacts, each one revealing baseball's historical connection to North Carolina.

"Baseball was entertainment before television came," museum president Eddie Fulford said. "Every little town had a semi-pro baseball team."

On those teams were some of baseball's greatest players, including Hall-of-Famer Rod Carew.

"This area, the Carolina League, was considered one of the better leagues for up-and coming prospects," said Carew, who was on hand for Monday's ribbon-cutting. "So prospects would be sent to this league to see how they would do."

Carew is one of many players who got his start in the Carolina League and went on to star in the majors. Many of their stories are told at the museum.