Baseball will take center stage at the New York Mills Public Library on Thursday, April 4. The library will host author Frank M. White for an event to discuss his new book “They Played for the Love of the Game.” 

The book details the history of African American baseball players in Minnesota from the 1870s to 1960s through photographs, artifacts and spoken history passed down through generations. The book takes on a bit of a personal importance for the author as White’s father was one of the top catches in the Twin Cities in his day, a fact White did not learn until late in life. 

While the stories tell of denial, hardship and segregation, they are highlighted by athletes who persevered and were united by their love of the game. 

The author program will be held on April 4 at 6 p.m. at the library. The event is free to attend and open to everyone, but organizers are encouraging those who plan to attend to preregister by contacting the NY Mills Library at 385-2436.