Gettysburg native and Hall of Fame pitcher Edward S. “Eddie” Plank will be honored in his hometown on Saturday, August 30, and Sunday, August 31, 2025 by Gettysburg History. In recognition of the 150th anniversary of his birth, Plank’s legacy will be celebrated with a series of events.
The weekend kicks off with a panel featuring former Major League Baseball players Sid Bream, Jeff Manto, and Cody Eppley at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 30. All three are Pennsylvania natives, with Bream hailing from Carlisle, Manto from Bristol Township, and Eppley from Dillsburg. The discussion, moderated by historian Tom McMillan, will feature the panelists sharing their personal stories, career highlights, and the challenges and triumphs of their journeys in professional baseball. Later in the day, the public is invited to attend a free screening of Ken Burns’ Baseball: The Faith of Fifty Million People at 3 p.m.
On Sunday, August 31, the official anniversary of Plank’s birth, a permanent plaque will be dedicated in his honor. The public is invited to attend the brief dedication ceremony at 1 p.m. Special guests will include Plank’s grandson, Edward S. Plank III, and Adams County historian Timothy H. Smith. Following the ceremony, author and historian Lawrence Knorr, Ph.D., will give a presentation based on his book, Gettysburg Eddie, that covers Plank’s life story from his early days in Gettysburg to his record-setting career to his brief retirement prior to his passing.
The talk will be followed by a book signing with Knorr, joined by Plank’s grandson.