In 1903, the Bend Bulletin announced the formation of a municipal baseball association and city team. Baseball in Bend has continued for over 100 years, from town teams to farm teams, semi-professionals to collegiate up-and-comers.  

Step back in time with Vanessa Ivey, manager of Deschutes County Historical Society and Museum, as she shares stories of an earlier era, when baseball wasn't just a favorite pastime, but a way to build commerce in communities. Whether you were a Bend Beauty or a Bend Elk, the swat of a wood bat rang true, and twirling and hurling wasn't found merely on a country fair ride.  

Vanessa Ivey has been manager of Deschutes Historical Museum for the past 15 years. She nurtured her love of baseball both as a player and a fan growing up in Banks, Oregon. Vanessa has a bachelor's degree in science from Lewis and Clark College. She spends her summers in the outfield of a local softball team, and in January she plays baseball at the New York Yankees Women's Fantasy Camp in Tampa, Florida.

Enjoy 15% off your hotel stay on History Pub nights! Show your ticket at check-in.

These events are open to everyone interested in Pacific Northwest history, and beyond! Often co-sponsored by local or state historical and civic organizations, we bring you experts, scholars, first-person experiencers, historians and documentaries expounding on topics from indigenous history to the birth of Portland, early explorers to hop growing, and on and on! It's like being back in the classroom - except this time you get to settle into comfortable seats and enjoy a drink or two with dinner while you listen and learn.

This event is eligible for a History Pub Stamp