Explore Minnesota Baseball History this Saturday at the Hennepin History Museum

[John Bonnes]

Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 9th at 1:30 p.m., when local author and baseball historian Stew Thornley will take you on a journey through Minnesota’s baseball past at the Hennepin History Museum. Thornley will delve into the life and legacy of Perry “Moose” Werden, one of the most dominant hitters of the 19th century and a key figure in the Twin Cities baseball community.

Known for his powerful build and equally powerful swing, Werden was a force to be reckoned with. In the 1890s, while playing for the Minneapolis Millers, Werden made history by smashing over 40 home runs in two consecutive seasons (1894 and 1895), setting a professional record that would stand until Babe Ruth eclipsed it in 1920. His record-setting feats and larger-than-life personality cemented him as a local baseball icon.

But Werden's contributions to the game didn't end when he left the field. He continued to play a pivotal role in the Minneapolis baseball scene, managing his own team, Werden’s All-Stars, and participating in local leagues and barnstorming tours. One of his most memorable moments came in 1933 when he organized a benefit game between his All-Stars and a group of former players known as "The Old Guard" to help a fellow ballplayer in need.

A key attraction of the event will be the chance to view a unique piece of baseball history: an oversized bat from the 1933 benefit game, autographed by major league stars and local legends, including Joe Zalusky, who later became the director of the Hennepin History Museum. This bat has become a treasured part of the museum’s collection and is a must-see for any baseball fan.

Werden was not only a standout player but also a beloved figure in Minneapolis, remaining active in the city’s baseball culture well into the 1930s. He frequently umpired games, attended matches at Nicollet Park, and was a constant presence in the local sports scene, helping to shape the future of baseball in the region.

The Hennepin History Museum, housed in a historic mansion on Third Avenue South, offers the perfect backdrop for this exploration of Werden’s life and legacy. Since its founding in 1938, the museum has been dedicated to preserving the rich history of Hennepin County, with an extensive collection of artifacts that tell the story of the area’s past.

This is a Pay-As-You-Can event, with registration recommended but not required. Don’t miss this opportunity to dive into the rich history of Minnesota baseball and get an up-close look at one of its most iconic relics.

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