(TOMS RIVER, NJ) — Take me to… The Library! As MLB races toward postseason play, the Toms River Branch of the Ocean County Library is pleased to present the “September Grand Slam” kicking off in Mancini Hall on September 4, 2024 – four writers and experts with unique baseball experiences and perspectives. All programs begin at 6:30 p.m.

The all-star cast includes the following names:

* Wednesday, September 4th – Phil Coffin, “While Baseball Was Still on Top“ The New York Times editor’s book, While Baseball Was Still on Top: Portraits of the Game in 1959, Card by Card (2024) examines National Pastime’s image and role in America’s social upheavals and explores the significance of the 1959 Topps gum card issue of 572 players.

* Tuesday, September 10 – Dan Schlossberg, author of “Home Run King: The Extraordinary Record of Hank Aaron.” 300 Club (2010) And Called Out but Safe: A Baseball Umpire’s Journey (2014) chronicles the life of the legendary hitter and Aaron’s 715th hit on April 8, 1974^pearl His career-best home run total surpassed Babe Ruth’s seemingly unbeatable record.

* Tuesday, September 17 – Ed Alstrom, “Yankee Stadium: From the (Organ) Bench.” The New Jersey native has a storied career that stretches beyond the Bronx, from rock and roll to houses of worship to Broadway. He replaces Eddie Layton, who spent 37 years thrilling Stadium crowds with his keyboard jokes.

* Tuesday, October 1 – Rick Feingold, “The Miracle Mets of 1969.” The multi-faceted historian will chronicle the astonishing rise of this group of longtime regulars, signings, and energetic young players from “worst to best” as the team accelerated to its first championship.

Please register at: https://tinyurl.com/OclTrSlam for each of these free programs. Choose one or more of your favorite classes or come to all four and make it a real Grand Slam!

For more information, stop by the OCL Toms River Branch at 101 Washington Street, call (732) 349-6200, or visit: https://theoceancountylibrary.org/events.

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