At The Library: Huskies baseball team coming to the library

The partnership between the Duluth Huskies and the Cloquet Public Library for our summer event “Knock Summer Reading Out of the Park!” began in 2017, and we are excited to resume it this summer after the pandemic.

The event will be held on Monday, June 12, at 10:30 am at the Library. Duluth Huskies baseball players will be reading stories, leading stretches, and answering questions. Each child who attends the event will leave with a free book with player autographs.

Every child who registers for the 2023 Kids Summer Reading Program will receive a free Huskies game ticket for July 16 at Wade Stadium in Duluth.

Greg Culver is the general manager of the team. He will be at the event on June 12. I asked Greg a few questions recently.

Q What are your passions and goals as the general manager of the team?

A I work with team owner Michael Rosenzweig, and we try our best to make Huskies baseball a must-see summer activity for the community. The passion I hold near and dear to my heart is to make sure families can have an affordable night out, take in some really good baseball, and leave the ballpark with a smile.

Q When did you start playing baseball? What did it mean to you as a child?

A I have two brothers and grew up in a sports-minded family. My dad was our coach all through our childhood, which fostered our love for sports. We played football, basketball, and of course baseball, and it didn’t take me long to figure out baseball was my sport. I started playing the minute I could stand and swing a bat. ... I eat, live, and dream baseball, and I’m constantly watching, reading, or talking about the game.

Q Did you have a favorite book as a child?

A We were big comic book kids and read them early and often. The first book I checked out of the school library by myself was “The Hobbit,” and since that day I’ve enjoyed reading and enjoy books that center around science fiction and other fantasy-style books.

Q We are very grateful for our partnership. What does it mean to you and your team?

A I absolutely love our Books and Baseball program. I get feedback from parents that this is one of their favorite events we do, not only for their children, but they can enjoy the game as a family along with acknowledging that reading is cool. It’s a warm, feel-good event we look forward to each year as an organization.

Q What are your hopes to pass on to the next generation through baseball?

A From kids camps to the scouting community to bat boy/girl for the Huskies, we’re involved with as many kids’ activities as we can be. Through baseball, we hope to help foster a positive can-do mentality for all kids. No matter what your goals are, sports can be an outlet to help you be a better teammate and person. From that, you can accomplish anything you set your mind to.

Keiko Satomi is the adult services librarian at the Cloquet Public Library. Email her at [email protected] or call the library at 218-879-1531.