Baseball is Alive in the Berkshires
Did you know that the Berkshires produced 40 MLB players throughout the history of baseball?
We’re excited to sponsor The Stars Come Out in Cheshire, an exhibit curated by Baseball in the Berkshires that highlights the history of baseball in Cheshire and Adams. The exhibit will be on display at the Cheshire Town Hall (191 Church Street in Cheshire) from February 13th to 27th, Monday through Thursday, between 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Formed by local baseball enthusiasts and historians, Baseball in the Berkshires aims to educate the community about our county’s connection to America’s greatest game. From Williamstown to Sheffield, T-Ball to the Majors, baseball stitches us all together.
Traveling historical exhibits displaying artifacts and stories from local residents and visitors showcase the more than century-long connection between baseball and the Berkshires. Now, our Adams and Cheshire branches get the honor of preserving this legacy; from now until the end of February, you can stop by both branches during business hours to learn about former and current Berkshire County ballplayers.
Thank you, Shannan Lapointe, Cheshire Branch Officer (pictured left), for welcoming Larry Moore and Stan Tracy, who hit it out of the park with their love for the game.
Later in the month, both displays will be changed out to highlight Hall of Famers Frank Grant and Jack Chesbro.
Now featuring:
MIKE GLADU, Cheshire native and former left-handed pitcher signed by the Chicago Cubs, is highlighted in his hometown branch.
During his 1988 season with the Cubs’ Minor League club, Mike pitched 14 games, starting 10, and finished with a 6-4 record, 5.67 ERA, and 66 strikeouts.
For awhile he assisted the team at Williams College before starting his current role as Head Coach of MCLA’s baseball team. Mike was recently named Manager of the North Adams SteepleCats.
MATT KOPERNIAK, who grew up in Adams, looks forward to breaking onto the St. Louis Cardinal’s line-up after a stint on the team’s 40-man roster at the end of the 2024 season.
In 2024, the third baseman and outfielder played 122 games, displaying an impressive .309 batting average with 20 home runs.
Matt has an impressive career, playing for the SteepleCats, Harwich Mariners of the infamous Cape Cod League, and numerous minor-league teams for the Cardinal’s organization.
uPCOMING sPECIAL eVENTS:
Cheshire Town Hall – 191 Church St, Cheshire, MA
OPENING RECEPTION
Thursday, February 13th, 2025
5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Exhibit Open
MOVIE SHOWING
Belanger: Big League Player, Small Town Story
Saturday, February 15th, 2025
1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Exhibit Open
PRESENTATION
History of Baseball Gloves & Mitts
Sunday, February 23rd, 2025
1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Exhibit Open
LITTLE LEAGUE REGISTRATION
Sunday, February 23rd, 2025
1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Exhibit Open
