Brought to you by The Clinton County Arts Council, with special thanks to the Clinton & Centre County Baseball Hall of Fame along with the Piper Museum and the Clinton County Historical Society, the program will feature presentations from local historian Joe Bechdel and nationally known author Marjorie Maddox.

From the early 19th century, baseball had a tremendous influence across America. Starting in rural communities, the sport spread to major metropolitan areas and by the early 20th century grew into the National pastime.

In places like Clinton and Centre counties, baseball was a source of community pride with hundreds heading to the ballparks to watch local teams compete. In places such as Orviston, Blanchard, Renovo, Lock Haven and Beech Creek, baseball became an important link that bound communities together.

This exhibit and presentation has both a local and national focus starting with Blanchard historian Joe Bechdel discussing the importance of local baseball teams and how they bound communities together while shaping local history and folklore at 2:10 p.m.

PHOTOS PROVIDED Photos are shown from the Game Changers one day exhibit at The Station Gallery.

Joe will discuss major milestones of local teams and players such as Rube Bressler from Flemington, who pitched for the Central State Normal School, now known as Commonwealth University-Lock Haven, and for the Renovo Shop team in 1912. Rube was recruited after pitching a stellar game in Renovo against a barnstorming team coached by Earle Mack, the son of Connie Mack, who managed the Philadelphia Athletics. Rube played in the Major Leagues for both the Cincinnati Reds and Philadelphia Athletics.

Next up will be Marjorie Maddox at 2:30 p.m. discussing her new book, “A Man Named Branch: The True Story of Baseball’s Great Experiment.” Marjorie is the great-grandniece of baseball Hall of Famer Branch Rickey. His many accomplishments include establishing the minor league system and the first ever full-time spring training facility in Vero Beach, Fla. He also introduced technological advancements such as pitching machines, batting cages and helmets.

Branch was known as an innovator, and his most important contribution was the integration of Major League baseball with Jackie Robinson in 1947. Not only did this change baseball but it also changed America.

After the program both Marjorie and Joe will be happy to answer any questions. Marjorie will also have copies of her book to sign and sell.

This exhibit is free and open to the public.