Did Abner Doubleday invent baseball? And how’s ‘Spaceman’ Bill Lee doing after his heart bypass surgery?

Tomorrow night at 7 p.m. at the Fairlee Town Hall, the Green Mountain Civil War Roundtable hosts “Double-Talk on Doubleday.”

Why, how, and when did Abner Doubleday became the imagined inventor of America’s pastime? It is becoming more widely known that Doubleday had no connection to baseball, but why, and for what purposes, did baseball’s boosters construct an origin story with him at the epicenter?

Norwich University Professor Rowly Brucken will explore the founding myths of baseball’s real and fictional origins, and will consider the broader context of the age of imperialism in America, New England sports history, and Victorian scandals. The talk will conclude with an exploration of the early days of baseball in Vermont.

Brucken is a life-long Cleveland Indians fan who teaches a course on baseball history and an honors class on interdisciplinary adventures in baseball at Norwich. He has spent two weeks in the archives at the Baseball Hall of Fame and has received two research grants to study the history of the sport. This talk connects the controversy over baseball’s alleged origins to larger themes in American cultural and social history. – Journal-Opinion

Spaceman wants to coach for Red Sox – Northeast Kingdom resident and former Vermont gubernatorial candidate Bill “Spaceman” Lee told WMUR TV that the Boston Red Sox should hire him as pitching coach after the 77-year-old after he underwent surgery for a heart blockage. – Journal-Opinion

Advisor to governors, mentor Tim Hayward remembered – Gov. Phil Scott today issued a statement following the passing of Tim Hayward, who for decades was a senior advisor to Republican governors and members of Congress.

“I join so many Vermonters in mourning the passing of our friend Tim Hayward. Tim was a true giant of quiet, selfless service, and he worked every single day to do his part and then some.

“He was a proud Marine, legislator, and senior advisor to many – including Governor Snelling, Congressman Smith, Congressman Mallory, Senator Jeffords – and for 8 years he served as Chief of Staff for Governor Douglas.

“Tim’s most important acts of service, however, were not the many senior positions he held, or officials he advised. His very best work – work he clearly loved – was his mentorship to so many other public servants, who were taught by Tim and who benefited from his example. His impact on our state does not end with him, but will live on for generations to come.

“I was so fortunate that, after being elected Governor myself, Tim agreed to lead the transition team. He helped lay a strong foundation in this Administration. And he prepared my team for the road ahead. Always with the rigor and discipline of an old marine, the wisdom of a great coach and the principled heart of the servant citizen.

“I offer my sincerest condolences to his wife Susan, his three children Nathanial, Heidi and Zak, and all of his beloved family and friends.

“In honor of his legacy and service, I have ordered the Vermont State Flag to fly at half-staff on the day of his services.”

Women learn trades in Newport – Vermont Works for Women is introducing its free trades training program, Trailblazers, for the first time in Newport, aiming to empower women and gender-expansive individuals through a seven-week course at the North Country Career Center from May 20 to July 3, the Newport Dispatch reports.

The program, designed for participants aged 18 and up, will offer hands-on training in various trades, including construction and renewable energy.

Chris Damato, the Assistant Director for Adult Education at the North Country Career Center, highlighted the opportunity for local construction companies to find skilled employees. The program includes a unique “live work” project, allowing participants to remodel a house in Newport, covering a spectrum of skills from heavy equipment operation to finish carpentry.

Trailblazers has trained 145 individuals since its inception in 2019, focusing on creating a safe and supportive environment. This pre-apprenticeship program helps build vital skills and confidence, and encourages participants to explore traditionally male-dominated career fields.