I had the opportunity to take part in the annual Vintage Base Ball game between the Delaware Cowboys, a collection of interns and friends of the Delaware Cows, and the Ohio Village Muffins on June 23 at Littick Field.
The score finished in favor of the Muffin nine, however it wasn’t the score that mattered. Everyone that played enjoyed the great game and the ability to enjoy a gentleman’s sport the way it was meant to be played.
This was the third installment of the game, and my second opportunity to play in the contest and I have to say it is a great way to spend an afternoon. This year’s game was much more enjoyable with temperatures in the low-80s as opposed to the mid-90s of last year’s affair.
For those unfamiliar with the 1860s game it looks similar to today’s style however with some adjustments. The pitches were always underhand as the “contest” was between the fielders and the batter rather than today when it is between the batter and pitcher.
For more on the rules of the day and the Muffins schedule visit their Web page on the Ohio Historical Society’s Web site.
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4 responses so far ↓
1 The Delaware Cows // Jul 3, 2007 at 11:31 am
Cowboys, Muffins Give Fans A Grand Game
The Delaware Cows held on to an important victory over arch-rival Columbus All-Americans on Saturday June 23. And fans that stuck around were treated to a grand game of 1860s Vintage Base Ball when the Ohio Village Muffins took on the Delaware Cowboys….
2 Toby & Sadie // Jul 8, 2007 at 9:57 pm
Another site to view Muffins information on is http://ohiovillagemuffins.org
Have a great day!
3 Neil Parks // Jul 19, 2007 at 2:53 pm
My wife and I enjoyed watching the Forest City Base Ball team playing the Hoover Sweepers this past Sunday (7/15/07) in the Garfield Metropark in Cleveland. Until we went to this game we didn’t know that there was such a thing.
We would love to see more of same. It was great fun.
4 Toby Boyce // Jul 20, 2007 at 12:44 pm
Neil - They are so much fun to watch. There is a big tournament over in Newcomestown (about 1-1/2 hours down I-77 from Cleveland) every July in honor of Cy Young’s birthday and there is a big one at the Ohio Historical Society every Labor Day. The wife just laughs at me, but if I wasn’t in real estate — and having to work every Sunday and most Saturdays — I’d be playing for the Muffins right now. Thanks for sharing! - Toby
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