How Iowa Met Baseball: the Myths, the History, the Players

Opening Day for Major League Baseball is March 26th, so what better time to learn about Iowa's rich baseball history? Please join us for How Iowa Met Baseball: the Myths, the History, the Players presented by John Liepa. Over the past century the setting for the spring passion of many Iowans has been the ballpark. This presentation explores the myths of baseball’s origins, the early history and evolution of the game, baseball’s journey to Iowa and the role of the Civil War in spreading its popularity. Come learn about some of Iowa’s baseball pioneers and view an extensive collection of baseball memorabilia featuring Iowa players.

Note: This program will begin at 6:30 pm, but people are welcome to come as early as 5:45 pm to view John's collections of memorabilia. 

This program is provided by Humanities Iowa.  John Liepa is Professor Emeritus of History and Political Science at Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC.) He taught courses in Political Science, U.S., and Iowa History from 1972-2010. Since retiring, he has taught courses for the Senior College of Greater Des Moines on “Iowa’s Role in the Civil War,” Iowa’s Ethnic Heritage,” and the “Early History of Baseball in Iowa.”  A life-long baseball card collector, John owns an extensive collection of cards and memorabilia representing Iowa’s 222 Major Leaguers, featuring Iowa’s seven Hall-of-Famers. A charter member of Iowa’s “Field of Dreams” chapter of the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR), he has published numerous articles on Iowa baseball history and currently serves on an ‘ad hoc’ committee working with Major League Baseball to host activities at the Field of Dreams site as part of the game to be played on August 12, 2021. Over the past 11 years, he has done over 160 presentations on baseball history throughout Iowa, often appearing as Montrose, Iowa’s Calvin McVey, Iowa’s first professional baseball player, who played for America’s first all-professional baseball team-the 1869 Cincinnati Red Stockings.