Co-authors discuss NM pueblo baseball

In New Mexico’s pueblos, baseball is more than just a sport. It is a longstanding tribal tradition that brings together families and communities. Herbert Howell and James D. Baker, co-authors of the new book “New Mexico’s Pueblo Baseball League: Images of Baseball,” will be at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 7, to offer a personal and scholarly perspective on the history and role of baseball in pueblo communities.

Baseball has been played in and out of the pueblos for more than 100 years. “The game of baseball plays an essential role in our pueblo communities,” said IPCC Executive Director Travis Suazo. “The dynamic family and community spirit defines the game, with players competing for family and Pueblo rather than individual recognition.”

The new book explores the origin, history and living legacy of the game in New Mexico’s Pueblos through a powerful collection of photographs. Published by Arcadia Publishing, the book was released Monday.

Howell was an umpire for 17 years in the pueblo leagues and is also scholar known for his ethnographic research involving baseball in the Pueblos. Baker specializes in telling stories with media and has over 30 years of experience in industrial research and executive management in integrated media.

A book signing at Shumakolowa Native Arts inside the IPCC will follow the presentation. Guests can purchase the new book and have it signed by the authors.

The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is at 2401 12th NW. The event is free and open to the public.