Today in History–October 11–the Library of Congress features baseball great Jackie Robinson, who threw out the ceremonial first pitch of the second game of the 1972 World Series game on this day. The game also featured a commemoration of the 25th anniversary of breaking the color line, which Jackson did in 1947 when he debuted with the Brooklyn Dodgers. He finished…
Today in History–October 8–the Library of Congress features the great Chicago fire, which began on this day in 1871. The fire took at least 300 lives, left nearly a third of the city’s residents homeless, and leveled more than 18,000 structures (Encyclopedia of Chicago). Learn more about this fire and others that burnt on the same day in Michigan and…
Today in History–July 7–the Library of Congress features Leroy Robert “Satchel” Paige, born on this day in 1906. Did you know that Paige was 69 years old when he pitched in his final game, shutting out all but one hitter in three innings? Learn more about this extraordinary baseball player by visiting the Today in History section, then check out these baseball…
For baseball fans, there’s no more quintessential pastime then spending a delicious summer day at the park watching their favorite players slug it out. Some may say the delight at the ballpark depends on the final score of the favored team, but coming from a family of die-hard Chicago Cubs fans I can say that come what…
Today in History–March 28–the Library of Congress features brewing magnate and baseball team owner August Anheuser Busch Jr., born on this day in 1899. As CEO of the Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc., Busch convinced the company board of directors to purchase the St. Louis Cardinals team, halting the team’s move to another city. Learn more about Busch and baseball by visiting the Today in History section, then clicking the links…
Today in History–March 13–the Library of Congress features rare children’s books. Someone wrote “Enoch Brooks’ Book, Princeton, March 13th, 1789″ in permanent ink in a Library of Congress copy of a rare children’s Bible: A Curious Hieroglyphick Bible published by Isaiah Thomas. Learn more about this early American printer and literature publisher by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to…
Today in History–December 22–the Library of Congress features Cornelius Alexander McGillicuddy, better known as Connie Mack, born on this date in 1862. This baseball hall of famer was a player, manager, and owner. Learn more about the “tall tactitian” and “grand old man of baseball” by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to see more of Mack…
Today in History–December 1–the Library of Congress features Rosa Parks, arrested for civil disobedience on this day in 1955. Find out more about this brave woman who helped spark the U.S. civil rights movement by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access more related primary sources and resources. Rosa Parks arrest photo Rosa Park’s recollections…
Today in History–July 18–the Library of Congress features baseball great Ty Cobb, who connected with his 4,000th career hit on this day in 1927. Find out more about this “Georgia peach” by visiting the Today in History section, then access more primary sources related to Ty Cobb and baseball. Ty Cobb image set Ty Cobb historical newspaper coverage Primary Source Spotlight: Baseball…
Today in History–June 21–the Library of Congress celebrates the first official day of summer with some summertime resources. Visit the Today in History section to what they’re serving up, then follow the links below to access more primary source treasures. Don’t miss the baseball primary source spotlight either! Summer primary source set Summer sheet music More summer sheet…