Reporter and historian Bill Ecenbarger will join LebTown for an author talk at Book Bar in Palmyra (50 N. Railroad St.) on Sunday, April 27, at 3 p.m. Ecenbarger will speak about his 2024 title 'Work, Fight, or Play Ball.' Ecenbarger's book examines how Major League Baseball responded to America’s entry into World War I (and how Babe Ruth came to play in Lebanon).

Ecenbarger’s fascination with the Steel League began in the early 1990s while he was living in Lebanon County and walking his dog around Penryn Park, today’s YMCA Camp Rocky Creek, where he noticed a sign for “Babe Ruth Field.” Although Ruth’s appearance at Penryn Park may be apocryphal, the Great Bambino did in fact spend time in Lebanon County during World War I. Ecenbarger's deep research produced an outstanding anthology of the facts, legends, and legacy of Ruth’s time here.

Ecenbarger will speak about his research and answer questions. Signed copies of the book will be available for purchase after the talk. Free refreshments will be available for LebTown members at the event from Book Bar, which features a full coffee & tea menu as well as other non-alcoholic drinks. Free parking available in back and on street.