Local Sports Calendar

– ESPN baseball analyst Tim Kurkjian brings his vast baseball knowledge and deep love of the game to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum on April 20.

 Fascinated-Cover-smallKurkjian will sign copies of his latest book, “I’m Fascinated by Sacrifice Flies: Inside the Game We All Love,” and share his many baseball insights and anecdotes.

 His appearance is part of the special programming offered in conjunction with the Lincoln Presidential Library’s latest exhibit, “Cubs vs. Cardinals: The Rivalry.” Other events in the works include a family picnic and screening of “Field of Dreams,” a visit by the makers of Louisville Slugger baseball bats, a presentation by an expert on baseball’s Civil War connections and regular children’s activities.

 Kurkjian will sign books at 6 p.m. and then speak in the museum’s Union Theater at 6:30. For a free reservation, visit www.PresidentLincoln.Illinois.gov and click on “special event reservations.”

 “I’m Fascinated by Sacrifice Flies” explores the customs, superstitions and unspoken fears of major league baseball. In his introduction to the book, columnist George F. Will writes, “Tim’s love for what he does is, happily, infectious.”

 The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum dedicated to telling the story of America’s 16th president through old-fashioned scholarship and modern technology.

 Its mission also includes preserving and exploring Illinois history – such as the passionate competition between the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs. “Cubs vs. Cardinals: The Rivalry” explores nearly 150 years of baseball history and passion.

 The library holds an unparalleled collection of Lincoln books, documents, photographs, artifacts and art, as well as some 12 million items pertaining to all aspects of Illinois history. The museum uses traditional exhibits, eye-catching special effects and innovative story-telling techniques to educate visitors.

 For more information, please visit www.PresidentLincoln.Illinois.gov.