Take Me Out to the Old Ballgame

If you think you know all there is to know about baseball, you should visit Old Bethpage Village Restoration on Long Island - www.oldbethpage.org - an historic site that recreates life on Long Island during the 19th century. Each Sunday from April thru October a base ball (it was two words back than) game takes place. But not just any game, these games are played by the rules of 1864.

The basic concept is still the same, 9 men on a side, 9 innings, 3 outs and the team that scores the most aces, I mean runs, wins the match. But in 1864 the game was still evolving and the look and feel of the game is slightly different than what you would see today. Among the differences include:

The pitcher or bowler as he was sometimes called pitches underhand from 45 feet

A batted ball caught on one bounce is an out

If a runner overruns first base he can be tagged out

There are 3 balls and 3 strikes and all runners advance on a walk even it they are not forced.

A ball that hits in fair territory and than goes foul is still fair

Oh and before I forget no gloves are worn by the fielders. Each player uses his bare hands.

The umpire or arbiter of the match stands off to the side of the batsman. The umpire was often the most respected man in town, such as the Mayor, Reverend or undertaker

You will also hear some era appropriate language such as:
"Strike a red hot daisy cutter" which means hit a hard ground ball.

"That's showing some ginger" which mean hustle.

"Muffin" or error.

"Striker to the line" or batter up.

After each game the two sides toe the line and thank the "Cranks" or fans for coming out to the game and each team will give out three cheers to the other side and thank them for a spirited match.

Anyone who loves base ball, especially the history of the game should check out this style of base ball. Old Bethpage Village encourages new players to come out and play during anyone of their 1864 games. Each new player will be outfitted in a uniform and given a run down on all the rules of the game. We only ask in return that you not mention the name Abner Doubleday, who did not invent the game. I encourage you to come down and give it a shot if you are on Long Island. If not there are over a 100 teams spread throughout the country, check out the Vintage Base Ball Association, www.vbba.org for a team in your area.

I personally have been playing since 1994 and currently play at Old Bethpage along with a traveling team called the New York Mutuals. We travel around the country and play various other vintage base ball teams as well as put on exhibitions at various 19th century fairs and fundraisers.

I hope to see you at a game.