Negro Leagues in Ohio presentation set at Massillon Public Library

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Massillon Public Library will host a presentation on the Negro Leagues in Ohio on Wednesday, Feb. 2.

The free baseball-history program, from 1 to 2 p.m., will be in the main library auditorium.

Guest speaker is Dr. Leslie Heaphy, associate professor of history at Kent State University-Stark who wrote “The Negro Leagues 1869-1960.”

The program is presented in partnership with the Massillon Local History and Genealogy Society.

Registration is required. Deadline to sign up is 11:59 p.m. Monday, Jan. 31.

The library is at 208 Lincoln Way E. For details, contact Christine Bowman at [email protected] or call 330-832-9831, ext. 350.

Speaking of baseball history, former Cleveland Indians pitching great Sam McDowell is scheduled to appear at 4th and Goal, a sports-memorabilia store at SouthPark Mall in Strongsville, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 4. He is scheduled to sign copies of his autobiography and posters, which will be for sale. Signed copies will be $45. Autographs on other items are $25, and inscriptions are $10.)

He also is slated to appear at two events in Cleveland on Saturday, Feb. 5.

I am on cleveland.com’s life and culture team and cover food, beer, wine and sports-related topics. If you want to see my stories, here’s a directory on cleveland.com. Bill Wills of WTAM-1100 and I talk food and drink usually at 8:20 a.m. Thursday morning. Twitter: @mbona30.

Get a jumpstart on the weekend and sign up for Cleveland.com’s weekly “In the CLE” email newsletter, your essential guide to the top things to do in Greater Cleveland. It will arrive in your inbox on Friday mornings – an exclusive to-do list, focusing on the best of the weekend fun. Restaurants, music, movies, performing arts, family fun and more. Just click here to subscribe. All cleveland.com newsletters are free.