July 2, 2026 6:00 PM
Newton Public Library, Kansas
Join Anita Mendoza as she explores the Kansas tradition of Mexican American fast pitch softball! In its heyday in the 1970s, teams from across the state would come together for tournaments. Families gathered to root for their team and share food and memories. Watch a preview of a short film called “Mexican Americans Hit Home Runs in Kansas” before watching a live demonstration of techniques and styles of pitching from local fastpitch softball pitchers.
This program is part of By the People: Conversations Beyond 250, a series of community-driven programs created by humanities councils in collaboration with local partners. The initiative was developed by the Federation of State Humanities Councils and the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage.
