Meet theTeam

Founder and President

With a broad background and experience in community activities and development, Bob Zimmer has been able to shepherd projects that have had and continue to have positive impact in several Cleveland Neighborhoods. The original vision and building blocks for E. 4th Street in downtown Cleveland were developed during his term as President of the Historic Gateway Neighborhood, a non-profit local development corporation he founded, which was responsible for gaining support from the City of Cleveland, City Council, Corporate Leaders, Foundations, Property Owners and Merchants. Foundation Grants and detailed planning documents grew from the efforts of the non-profit.

Bob Zimmer founded the  Baseball Heritage Museum, which started on E 4th in 1997 and subsequently moved to League Park in the Hough Neighborhood and Ward 8.  With community development as a driving force, the museum has been involved in the planning process, from 2012 and the creation of the original TLCI for the League Park District and today with the redevelopment of 66th Street corridor.

The Larchmere Arts District and University Circle have also provided Bob with development
opportunities that continue to have long lasting impact. Bob is active in the City of Shaker Heights and has been  appointed to several committees related to diversity and revitalization. He formed the Winslow Preservation Organization and supported the
Historic Designation of this unique neighborhood consisting of 162 two family homes.

Bob has held a real estate license for over 30 years and have used it to help foster projects that are truly beacons for community growth.

Staff

Ricardo Rodriguez is the Museum Director of the Baseball Heritage Museum, where he leads the preservation and interpretation of Cleveland’s rich baseball and broadcasting history. With a deep commitment to community engagement and cultural storytelling, Rodriguez oversees exhibitions, collections, educational programming, and partnerships that connect local history to the national story of the game. Under his leadership, the Museum serves as a dynamic public resource—celebrating players, broadcasters, ballparks, and neighborhoods—while expanding access to history through innovative programming, collaborations, and inclusive outreach.

Jay is a veteran of 45 years of coaching experience, including 21 years at the Division I level serving as the Head Coach at both George Washington University and Cleveland State University during that time. While at GW, Murphy’s teams won two Atlantic 10 Championships and participated in the NCAA National Tournament each year.
 
He has also coached at the Junior College and Division III levels and currently serves as both the Director of Baseball Activities for the Baseball Heritage Museum overseeing the Travel Baseball program along with youth programming, camps and clinics. The BHM teams compete in local, regional and national events while participating in competitive leagues in Northeast Ohio.  
 
Jay also currently serves as the General Manager for the Ireland National Baseball program while coaching both the Senior and 18U Irish National Team in the European Championships tournament through countries in Europe. During his career he also has worked for the Major League Baseball’s Envoy program serving as an Instructor at the first ever Baseball Academy in Wuxi, China, Cleveland Indians Winter development program, coached in collegiate leagues throughout the United States.
 
He is also the Varsity Baseball Coach/Program Director at Andrews Osborne Academy and since taking over in 2016, the team has qualified for the Lake Effect League Playoffs each season reaching the Championship game in both 2022 and 2023 and winning the League Title in both 2024 and 2025. Murphy was named LEC Coach of the Year in 2022 and 2025 and Co-Coach of the Year by the Lake County Baseball Coaches Club in 2021 and 2022. He currently serves on the Board of the Greater Cleveland Baseball Coaches Association and is the President of the Lake County Baseball Coaches Club.
 
Jay resides in Cleveland Heights with his wife Maria and has two sons. Tommy, who is a Minor League Hitting Coach for the Arizona Diamondbacks and Danny, who works as an analyst for League Park Advisors.
 

Ava Carubia is the Community Outreach & Programming Coordinator. She joined the Baseball Heritage Museum team in 2026.

Docents

Board of Trustees

Advisory Board

While You're Here

Visit

We can't wait to see you!