Yes, women played baseball

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Women and baseball is the subject of the next program in the Chasing Dreams series. Richard Harris, a local baseball expert, will present, “Women and Baseball: A Short Story?!  Nov. 27 at 7 p.m. at the Alliance’s Dwares Jewish Community Center in Providence.

Harris is the author of three books that are available for sale at the exhibit, about baseball at Brown University, in Newport, and in Rhode Island. He is receiving acclaim for the late 19th century and early 20th century post cards that make up the supplement to the core exhibit.

“Chasing Dreams: Baseball and Becoming American,” continues through Dec. 15, along with Harris’ supplement of post cards. The exhibit includes a database of Jewish baseball players, as well as a short video in which 20 fans, writers and baseball executives reminisce about baseball and discuss how they became baseball fanatics in their youth.

In addition to Harris’ books about local baseball, a well-illustrated catalog of the exhibit is available featuring a notable array of authors, sportswriters, former players and commentators who offer evocative, compelling and touching essays. There are books for adults and for children. Adult selections include books about Moe Berg, Hank Greenberg, and the participation of Jews in baseball. Children’s books include biographies of Roberto Clemente, Hank Greenberg, Sandy Koufax, Willie Mays and Jackie Robinson, as well as a book about women in baseball. The exhibit is open during the Dwares JCC’s regular business hours.

Chasing Dreams has received the endorsement of MLB Commissioner Emeritus Allan “Bud” Selig. Chasing Dreams: Baseball and Becoming American was created by the National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia and made possible in part by a major grant from the National Endowment of the Humanities: Exploring the human endeavor. For more information, contact us at ChasingDreams@jewishallianceri.org.

LARRY KATZ (lkatz@jewishallianceri.org) is director of Jewish life and learning at the Jewish Alliance.

Baseball, Alliance