Park ranger to present program on history of Spa baseball
The Garland County Library will host a virtual presentation on “The History of Baseball in Hot Springs” from 6-7 p.m. Tuesday.
“Hot Springs National Park Ranger Tyler Young will recount the history of Spa City’s relationship with America’s Favorite Pastime, before, during, and after the time when spring training was popular in Hot Springs,” a library news release said.
Viewers can access the program via Facebook Live at http://www.facebook.com/ garlandcountylibrary and the Garland County Library’s YouTube channel at youtube.com/ garlandcolibrary.
By the end of the 19th century, “both the sport and the city had made a name for themselves in the national press, leading to an encounter that would spark half a century of springtime rendezvous,” Young said.
One of the stops on the Hot Springs Historic Baseball Trail includes the place where the Chicago White Stockings (now the Cubs) once played.
“Famous players such as Jackie Robinson and Babe Ruth came to the city to play at various points in time. This program will reflect on the visits of such legendary athletes, and cover many other names and events that are relevant to local sports history,” the release said.
Viewers who have advance questions for Young may submit them to pkagebein@gclibrary.com.
Young will also answer viewer questions during the program, “which he hopes will prompt them to share their own memories and reflections on baseball in Hot Springs via the chat feature on the Facebook Live and YouTube platforms,” the release said. The program is free, and registration is not required.
For more information about virtual programming, online databases, curbside pickup, home delivery, and more services at the library, call 501623-4161 or email gcl@gclibrary.com. Visit http://www. gclibrary.com for access to online catalog, accounts, and ematerials.