John Thorn is a prominent American baseball historian and author, known for his extensive work on the history of the game. He has contributed to various publications and is recognized for his expertise in baseball's origins and development. Thorn has also served as the official historian for Major League Baseball since 2011. In addition to his historical work, Thorn has written several books, including Baseball: An Illustrated History and The Hidden Game of Baseball. His research often focuses on the cultural and social aspects of baseball, making him a key figure in understanding the sport's impact on American society.