Press

On Monday, October 6, the New York State Museum will welcome John Thorn, the Official Historian of Major League Baseball (MLB), for a special evening presentation on baseball’s deep connection with New York City. Thorn will explore how the sport and the city have shaped one another over time while capturing the hearts of millions. This one-night-only program will highlight the pivotal role New York has played in the history of the national pastime and its enduring impact on American culture. 

Hosted by the New York State Library and the Office of Cultural Education, this landmark program offers New Yorkers a rare chance to experience the history of America’s pastime through the eyes of one of its greatest storytellers. 

Doors open at 5 p.m. with a special exhibit of baseball treasures from the New York State Library, Museum, and Archives. At 6 p.m. in the Huxley Theater, State Librarian Lauren Moore will deliver opening remarks to kick off the evening. 

John Thorn’s keynote address will then take the audience on a journey through New York’s baseball story—from its earliest ball clubs and golden dynasties to periods of challenge and renewal—culminating in the 1962 arrival of the Mets, which returned New York to a two-team stage. The program will conclude with a conversation and audience Q&A moderated by New York State Museum Historian Steve Loughman.

Event Details

• Date: Monday, October 6
• Time: 6 p.m. (Doors open at 5 p.m.)
• Location: Huxley Theater, New York State Museum
• Featuring: John Thorn, Official Historian of Major League Baseball
• Register
• (Seating is limited; advance registration is required. If registration is full, a waitlist will be available.) 

New York State Librarian Lauren Moore said, “Baseball is woven into the history and identity of New York. This program highlights not only the game’s role in our culture, but also its ability to bring people together across generations and communities. We are proud to welcome John Thorn to share his expertise and shine a light on the enduring connection between New York and the national pastime.” 

Official MLB Historian John Thorn said, “I have loved baseball all my life, as an immigrant boy in New York who went on to become MLB's official historian. Let's celebrate our game and how it supplied a model to the nation." 

Deputy Commissioner for Cultural Education Michael Mastroianni said, “We are so honored to welcome John Thorn to the State Museum. His insight and storytelling bring to life the history of the game and its unique connection to New York. This evening will be unforgettable for baseball fans and history lovers alike!” 

About John Thorn

Now in his fifteenth year as MLB’s Official Historian, John Thorn is the celebrated author of Total Baseball, Treasures of the Baseball Hall of Fame, Baseball in the Garden of Eden, and Our Game (also the title of his long-running blog). Over five decades, his work has illuminated how baseball’s history reflects—and shapes—the American experience.

About the New York State Library 



The New York State Library, established in 1818, is the largest state library in the nation and one of the largest research libraries in North America. It oversees a vast network of more than 7,000 libraries statewide, serving a diverse audience that includes researchers, educators, patrons, lawmakers, state agencies, and the general public.  

The Library preserves and maintains invaluable historical collections and works, and serves as a Regional Depository for federal publications. It administers the Federal Depository Library Program in partnership with 65 selective Federal depository libraries throughout New York State. Additionally, the State Library is the official repository of New York State government publications, ensuring their enduring preservation and accessibility for future generations.  

The Library’s mission is advanced through several key divisions, including the Research Library, which houses a collection of over 20 million items, the Talking Book and Braille Library, a free service for eligible New Yorkers unable to use standard print materials, and the Division of Library Development, which identifies opportunities to improve and expand modern library services throughout the state.  

A vital part of the Office of Cultural Education, the New York State Library is located at 222 Madison Avenue in Albany, N.Y., and is open to the public Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Its robust collections are accessible onsite and through an interlibrary loan program. Researchers worldwide can also explore government documents and historical materials through the New York State Library’s Digital Collections.  

For more information, please visit the New York State Library website and subscribe to our monthly newsletter.