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The Thrill of Victory: History of America Revealed through Baseball
Hosted by Friends of the Frankfort Public LibraryAs baseball season comes into full swing, the Friends of the Frankfort Public Library examine the stories behind America’s national pastime with The Thrill of Victory, a series of programs taking place from May 5 to May 31.
Event Details
As baseball season comes into full swing, the Friends of the Frankfort Public Library examines the stories behind America’s national pastime with The Thrill of Victory, a series of programs taking place from May 5 to May 31. Special activities will be held in conjunction with the Friends’ annual meeting on May 12. All programs are free and open to the public
The following are program highlights.
May 5–31
The Thrill of Victory exhibition explores the history of baseball and features items from the Indianapolis Indians and photos courtesy of the National Baseball Hall of Fame, National Archives, Indiana Historical Society, Indianapolis Indians and French Lick Resort. The exhibit highlights Lou Gehrig’s retirement speech, Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier and signing with the Brooklyn Dodgers, the Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox World Series wins, and the careers of Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Cal Ripken Jr., and many more favorite personalities/athletes. The library also plans to present a few favorite baseball films during the month of May.
Tuesday, May 9
Author and historian Alan D. Gaff will present a virtual talk at 6 p.m. to discuss one of his latest books, Lou Gehrig: The Lost Memoir. At the age of 24, the already famous New York Yankee Lou Gehrig decided to document his remarkable story at the suggestion of a sports agent in an effort to grow his popularity. Gehrig’s stories were syndicated in newspapers across the country. His columns were largely forgotten until Gaff found them while researching a different topic. The Lost Memoir compiles Gehrig’s inspiring writings about his life and career, followed by an insightful biographical essay by Gaff. Registration is at www.myfcpl.org; those who register before April 17 will be entered in a drawing to receive a copy of The Lost Memoir. All registrants will receive a small custom gift while supplies last.
Friday, May 12
In conjunction with its annual meeting, the Friends of the Frankfort Public Library will host baseball- themed programs. Representatives from the Indianapolis Indians, Conner Prairie and the Indiana State Museum will kick off the programming with presentations and displays of historic items from their baseball collections. After the Friends’ brief annual meeting , author and freelance journalist Mark Montieth will discuss Extra Innings: My Life in Baseball, the book he wrote with Indianapolis Indians legend Max Schumacher. Montieth will be available to sell and sign Extra Innings and other books he wrote about the Indiana Pacers and Purdue basketball.
May 12 Schedule of Events
4 p.m.—Conner Prairie presents on its historic baseball games, including a display of uniforms and equipment
4:30 p.m.—The Indiana State Museum presents on its vintage baseball collection, including the display of a uniform worn by Carl Erskine
5:30 p.m.— A representative from the Indianapolis Indians shares baseball stories through the years
6:15 p.m.—The Friends of the Frankfort Public Library hold their annual meeting
6:30 p.m.—Author Mark Montieth discusses his book Extra Innings and signs copies
For more information, contact Mindy Emswiller at memswiller@myfcpl.org or 765.654.8746 ext. 1125.
This programming received support from an Indiana Humanities Action Grant.