WHAT'S NEW
Des Moines Baseball: Legends, Lights, and Unique Team Tales
Iowa baseball historian Steve Dunn shares the rich history of professional baseball in Des Moines, dating back to 1887. Home to the Iowa Cubs, the city has hosted legends like Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. Dunn explores historic ballparks, leagues, and unique team names, offering insights into the vibrant baseball legacy of Des Moines, from the first night game in 1930 to the forgotten Three–I League and the Negro League’s “All Nations” club.
Exploring 'Pug,' 'Fireball,' and Company: A Conversation with Author Steve Dunn about His Latest Book
In his latest work, author Steve Dunn engages readers in a captivating exploration of his newest book, ‘Pug,’ ‘Fireball,’ and Company. Unveiling the intriguing tales behind these evocative characters, Discover the rich tapestry of personalities that shape the narrative and experience a literary adventure unlike any other in ‘Pug,’ ‘Fireball,’ and Company.
Des Moines Diamonds: A Chronicle of 116 Years in Iowa's Baseball Legacy
Steve Dunn, a devoted baseball enthusiast for life, meticulously chronicles 116 years of professional baseball history in Des Moines, Iowa. His unique perspective delves into the noteworthy players, managers, and owners who have left an indelible mark on this iconic sports institution in Iowa. Over the years, the city’s ballparks have been graced by legendary figures such as Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Bob Feller, Tony La Russa, Rye Sandberg, Satchel Paige, and Buck O’Neil.
Whimsical Moments: Steve Dunn's Barnes & Noble Book Signing for Pug Fireball and Company at Jordan Creek Town Center
Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Pug Fireball and Company through a collection of captivating photos from Steve Dunn’s recent book signing event at Barnes & Noble, Jordan Creek Town Center in West Des Moines, Iowa, held on Saturday, February 17. Each image tells a story of connection, joy, and shared enthusiasm as Steve Dunn engages with readers, signs copies of his heartwarming book, and creates memories that will last a lifetime. Join us in reliving the whimsical atmosphere of this special day, where literature came to life, and the magic of Pug Fireball and Company cast its spell on everyone present.
Step Back in Time: Rare 1969 Iowa Oaks Program – A Piece of Des Moines Baseball History
Explore the origins of Des Moines’ triple-A baseball with the authentic 1969 Iowa Oaks program, collected by Steve Dunn. This piece of history captures the excitement of the inaugural season, offering a glimpse into Iowa’s baseball heritage. Perfect for baseball fans, Des Moines locals, or collectors looking for a unique item, this program represents a significant moment in the sport’s local history. While not for sale or distribution, it remains a cherished part of Steve’s personal collection, highlighting the legacy of triple-A baseball in Des Moines.
Savoring the Game: Steve Dunn at Principal Park
In the heart of Iowa’s baseball scene, Principal Park stands as more than just a stadium—it’s a nexus of tradition and team spirit. With the Chicago Cubs’ Triple-A affiliate calling it home, every game day brings forth a symphony of sporting splendor, where memories are made and dreams take flight amidst the roar of the crowd and the crack of the bat.
Join Steve Dunn at the Picturing America’s Pastime Conference!
Calling all fans and supporters! Steve Dunn is thrilled to announce his participation in the upcoming Picturing America’s Pastime Conference at the Dubuque Museum of Art. As an esteemed attendee, Steve invites you to join him at this prestigious event celebrating the rich history and cultural significance of America’s favorite pastime, baseball. Come show your support for Steve Dunn and immerse yourself in the world of baseball heritage. Mark your calendars and secure your spot today! For more details and registration, visit the event page
Rediscover the Magic of Literature at the Ankeny Authors Fair!
Immerse yourself in the Ankeny Authors Fair, a celebration of literature’s enchanting realm! Engage with diverse authors, exploring their unique tales and insights. From gripping thrillers to heartwarming narratives, discover a treasure trove of literary gems. Purchase books directly from authors, and cherish signed editions as mementos of this unforgettable event. Mark your calendars for a day filled with the magic of literature!
Spotlight at the Ankeny Authors Fair
Capturing Baseball History: Steve Dunn's Chronicle of 116 Years in Des Moines
Steve Dunn and four other authors are featured in the spring edition of the Bradley University magazine. The magazine had this to say about Dunn and his latest book, ‘Pug,’ ‘Fireball,’ and Company, 116 Years of Professional Baseball in Des Moines, Iowa: “Lifelong baseball fan Steve Dunn captures 116 years of Des Moines, Iowa, professional baseball history with a distinctive look at the players, managers, and owners who have contributed to an Iowa sports institution. The city’s ballparks that have hosted such stars as Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Bob Feller, Tony LaRussa, Ryne Sandberg, Satchel Paige, and Buck O’Neil also are chronicled.”Dunn is a 1971 graduate of Bradley University, which is located in Peoria, Illinois.
Cade Horton Makes Impressive Triple-A Debut with Iowa Cubs
Cade Horton gets set to release a pitch against the Omaha Storm Chasers at Principal Park in Des Moines Saturday, May 4. Horton struck out six, walked four and gave up two runs in his triple-A debut. He is the most hyped Chicago Cubs pitching prospect since Mark Prior and Kerry Wood, both of whom pitched for the Iowa Cubs before reaching the major leagues.
Exciting Book Signing Event with Author Steve Dunn!
Book Signing with Author Steve Dunn at Barnes & Noble
We are excited to share that author Steve Dunn will be signing copies of his book, ‘Pug,’ ‘Fireball,’ and Company: 116 Years of Professional Baseball in Des Moines, Iowa, at Barnes & Noble. Join us to celebrate the history of baseball and meet the author. For more information, visit .
Charity Nebbe and Steve Dunn Discuss New Book on Des Moines Baseball History
Book Signing Steve Dunn's Summer Book Signings in Altoona and West Des Moines with Author Steve Dunn at Barnes & Noble
Author Steve Dunn is having two book signings this summer in Altoona, Iowa, and West Des Moines, Iowa, for his new book about the history of professional baseball in Des Moines. The first will be held from noon to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, July 13, at Hidden Treasure Gifts & Book-Tea-Que at 511 8th St. SE, Altoona. The second will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, August 3, at Barnes & Noble, 4550 University Ave., West Des Moines. Des Moines Bruins manager Pepper Martin in July 1955 is pictured here. (Photo courtesy of Scott Sailor/Iowa Cubs)
Dunn to appear on IPR show
‘Pug,’ ‘Fireball,’ and Company: 116 Years of Professional Baseball in Des Moines, Iowa, provides an in-depth look at the history of professional baseball in Iowa’s capital dating back to 1887. Several legendary figures have played in Des Moines, including Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Bob Feller, Satchel Paige, Buck O’Neil, Ernie Banks, Willie Mays, Vida Blue, Rod Carew, Orlando Cepeda, Minnie Minoso, Rocky Colavito, Roger Maris and Sammy Sosa.
Nebbe, an Iowa native, has hosted Talk of Iowa since 2010. She also hosts the weekly cooking show, Iowa Ingredient, on Iowa Public Television. She is the author of a children’s book, Our Walk in the Woods.
She is co-founder of Let Me Run Eastern Iowa Corridor, a character development and running program for boys.
Dunn will have two book signings in the next two months. The first will be held from noon to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, July 13, at Hidden Treasures Gifts & Book-Tea-Que, 511 8 th St. SE, Altoona. The second will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3, at Barnes & Noble, 4550 University Ave., West Des Moines.
In 2020, Dunn collaborated with fellow Golden K Kiwanis member Pat Deluhery on Deluhery’s political memoir, Engaged: Pat Deluhery and the Golden Age of Democratic Party Activism. To find out more about Dunn’s latest book or order a copy, go to pugfireballandcompany.com.
Scenes from Today’s Game at Principal Park
New Release at Dog Eared Books
Meet Local Author Steve Dunn at an Exciting Book Signing Event!
Join us on Saturday, July 13, 2024, from Noon to 2:30 PM at Hidden Treasures Gifts & Book-Tea-Que in Altoona for a special book signing with Steve Dunn. Get your copy of “Pug, ‘Fireball’, and Company” signed and enjoy a 20% discount during the event. Discover the rich history of Des Moines baseball and meet the author! Call 515-967-4213 for more info.
Steve Dunn Discusses Des Moines Baseball History on Iowa Public Radio's 'Talk of Iowa'
Celebrating Joan Liffring-Zug Bourret's Pioneering Photography
Joan Liffring-Zug Bourret gained fame by documenting her own childbirth in 1951, leading to a groundbreaking career capturing diverse lives in Iowa. This episode features her grandson and a historian reflecting on her legacy. Later, Steve Dunn discusses his book “Pug, Fireball, and Company – 116 years of professional baseball in Des Moines, Iowa,” sharing his deep connection to baseball.
Steve Dunn's Book Signing Event in Altoona
Steve Dunn to Appear on IPR's Talk of Iowa
Baseball Bridges: Steve Dunn and Phil Dixon Unite in Dubuque's Diamond Legacy
Steve Dunn, right, shares a moment with Negro League historian Phil Dixon of Kansas City at the Dubuque Baseball Classic 2024 on April 13, 2024, in Dubuque. Iowa.
Steve Dunn, right, shows his new book about Des Moines' professional baseball history to Cal Eldred, who had a 14-year pitching career with the Milwaukee Brewers, Chicago White Sox, and St. Louis Cardinals. Eldred was one of the featured speakers at the Dubuque Baseball Classic 2024 on April 13, 2024, in Dubuque, Iowa. Eldred is a native of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Steve Dunn's latest book, "'Pug,' 'Fireball' and Company: 116 Years of Professional Baseball in Des Moines, Iowa," will become part of the books on display inside the Field of Dreams house near Dyersville, Iowa. On April 14, attendees of the Dubuque Baseball Classic 2024 toured the house where part of the movie was made. The movie starred Kevin Costner as Ray Kinsella; Ray Liotta as Shoeless Joe Jackson; James Earl Jones as Terence Mann; Dwier Brown as John Kinsella; Amy Madigan as Annie Kinsella; Gaby Hoffman as Karin Kinsella; Burt Lancaster as Dr. Archibald "Moonlight" Graham; and Timothy Busfield as Mark. The movie was based on a book by W.P. Kinsella and earned $84.4 million at the box office.
This exhibit at the Baseball Hall of Dreams in Dyersville, Iowa, tells the story of how Blacks such as Jackie Robinson, Willie Mays, and Ernie Banks were key figures in the integration of major-league baseball in the late 1940s and early 1950s. Both Banks and Mays played in Des Moines during matchups against the Des Moines Bruins and Cleveland Indians, respectively, in the 1950s. You can read more about them and the impact of Negro League baseball in Des Moines, Iowa, in Steve Dunn's new book, "'Pug,' 'Fireball,' and Company: 116 Years of Professional Baseball in Des Moines, Iowa."
Chicago Cub icon Ernie Banks is among the Black players featured in an exhibit at the Baseball Hall of Dreams in Dyersville, Iowa. The exhibit showcases integration and the Negro Leagues, which produced many great Black players who were excluded from major-league baseball until Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in 1947 with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Banks singled in the Chicago Cubs' 9-3 victory over the Des Moines Bruins on July 12, 1954. It was Banks' first full season in the majors. He finished the year with nineteen home runs, seventy-nine runs-batted-in, and a .275 batting average.
Author Steve Dunn, left, shares his new book about Des Moines' professional baseball history with Iowa Cubs broadcaster Alex Cohen after a Des Moines Golden K Kiwanis Club meeting Thursday. The Iowa Cubs have been the triple-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs since 1981.
Iowa Cubs broadcaster Alex Cohen speaks at the Des Moines Golden K Kiwanis Club meeting Thursday. Cohen was named Baseball Digest's Minor League Baseball Broadcaster of the Year for 2023. The Pennsylvania native is in his seventh season as the I-Cubs' play-by-play broadcaster. In addition, he is an account executive and handles the team's travel.
Author Steve Dunn Shares Baseball History with Iowa Cubs Broadcaster Alex Cohen
Steve Dunn was among the 60 plus authors who participated in the Ankeny Authors Fair at the Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library in Ankeny, Iowa, Saturday afternoon.
Steve Dunn displays his latest book, 'Pug,' 'Fireball,' and Company: 116 Years of Professional Baseball in Des Moines, Iowa, before a game between the Iowa Cubs and Louisville Bats on Sunday at Principal Park in Des Moines
The Ankeny Authors Fair in Ankeny, Iowa, provided an opportunity on Saturday for more than 60 Midwest authors to sell their books, chat with the public and share experiences with other authors.
