Miami County Museum to host Kansas baseball author

Author Michael Travis will speak about historical figures in Kansas baseball on Saturday at the Miami County Museum in Paola. (Submitted image)

Press release

The Miami County Historical Museum at 12 E. Peoria St. in Paola will host Michael Travis, Kansas baseball historian and author, on Saturday, Jan. 17, at 1 p.m. Travis will speak about his recently published book Kansas Baseball.

Baseball has long been synonymous with Kansas. The book goes back to the late 1800s and the birth of Walter Johnson and George Sweatt, Humboldt kids who played baseball at the highest level but in different leagues due to racism.

Attendees will learn about the 16-year-old signed by the Kansas City Athletics, who left the University of Kansas campus to play his first game at Municipal Stadium the next day.

And they'll learn about pioneers in the game named Joyce, Katie and Alex, determined and talented women who are part of our national pastime.

Author Travis shares his love for the game, rounding the bases from its beginnings in

Wichita with League 42 to the major leagues.