Programs

Baseball and New York City (NYC) have shared a love affair like no other—full of big players, big deals, big heartbreaks, and big comebacks!

Throughout the evening, John Thorn, the official historian of Major League Baseball (MLB), will bring this epic romance to life. From the city's early courtship with the game to their dramatic breakups and joyful reunions, Thorn will reveal how NYC and MLB shaped each other's history—and captured the hearts of millions.

The night kicks off with a reception at 5 p.m. when attendees can explore baseball treasures from the New York State Library, New York State Museum, and New York State Archives.

State Librarian Lauren Moore will deliver opening remarks at 6 p.m., followed by Thorn’s talk covering the history of baseball in NYC from its earliest days to 1962, when, via the Mets, NYC again became a two-horse town. Afterward, New York State Museum historian Steve Loughman will take the mic to lead a lively conversation and audience Q&A with Thorn.

"Whether you're a lifelong baseball fan, a proud New Yorker, or love a great story, this program promises history, heart, and a whole lot of fun," says Moore.

About the Presenter

John Thorn is in his fifteenth year as the Official Historian of Major League Baseball. His many baseball books over the past five decades include Total Baseball, Treasures of the Baseball Hall of Fame, Baseball in the Garden of Eden, and Our Game, which also supplies the title for his blog.