Baseball season is under way and at Johnston Public Library we are joining in the game! On Saturday, April 21, 2012 historian and speaker John Liepa will be at the
library to share his collection of vintage Iowa baseball cards and memorabilia and speak on the myths, history and players of America’s favorite pastime in Iowa.
From 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm Liepa will have his impressive collection of baseball cards, photos and artwork on display for the public. Some of the highlights include Iowa’s oldest known baseball card from 1867, a Babe Ruth “Rookie” card, an extensive collection of 19th century Iowa baseball cards, as well as cards of Cy Young, Ty Cobb, Mickey Mantle, Roberto Clemente, Hank Aaron, Sandy Koufax, Ernie Banks, and so much more. Baseball fans and history buffs alike will find much to be excited about.
At 2:00 pm, Liepa will give a presentation called, How Iowa Met Baseball: the myths; the history; and the players. Liepa, a historian, speaker and avid fan, will speak about the myths regarding the origins and evolution of baseball, how the Civil War played a role in accelerating the spread of the game, as well as the history of baseball in Iowa and Iowan’s contributions to the development of the game.
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John Liepa is a Professor Emeritus of History at Des Moines Area Community College and has taught history and political science courses for over forty years. He is a member of the Society for American Baseball Research, the State Historical Society of Iowa Board of Directors, Co-Director of the Iowa Studies Center at DMACC, and serves as program chair for the Des Moines Civil War Roundtable.
To register for this free program on April 21, 2012, visit Johnston Public Library’s website at www.johnstonlibrary.com or call the library at 515-278-5233.