Library baseball collection shows Hispanic heritage

A baseball card collection on display at the Bloomfield Township Public Library for the month of May highlights a personal connection between the enjoyment of America's pastime and Puerto Rican roots.

Jose Guzman Jr., grants and engagement coordinator for Bloomfield Township, is sharing his baseball card collection with the Bloomfield Township Public Library for the month of May. Growing up, Guzman said he knew the importance of understanding and cherishing his Puerto Rican heritage while fully embracing American culture. Baseball, with its rich history of inclusion, became the perfect marriage of both identities. From eagerly awaiting fresh baseball card packs each February to playing the game in Little League and high school, baseball was a constant source of joy and fascination for him,he said. As he grew older, his interest in playing the sport and collecting baseball cards waned, signaling a shift from player to fan.

Guzman said he rediscovered his childhood baseball card collection years later which brought back cherished memories and highlighted the cultural significance of baseball in his life, bridging the gap between his Puerto Rican roots and American upbringing.

The exhibit of baseball cards can be seen during regular township library hours.