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pondfeilders.org
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copyright 2004
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Vintage Base Ball History
| When Baseball first came on the scene in 1850s America, it exploded in popularity as baseball clubs formed in cities and towns throughout the U.S. and Canada. The Vintage Base Ball revival which started in 1996 has followed a similar pattern of rapid growth. The phenomena we know as Vintage Base Ball has its origins in Ohio. Honoring the 150th anniversary of the first recorded base ball game, representatives from 13 teams met in Ohio and formed the Vintage Base Ball Association in 1996. Today there are over 150 teams in 25 states throughout North America.
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Chadwicks's Base ball rules, circa - 1860
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Henry Chadwick
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Vintage base ball teams seek to play the game of base ball as it was originally played in the 19th century. The primary rules source for the early game are the rules set out in the 1860 publication Beadle’s Dime Base-Ball Player. This text written by Henry Chadwick presents a guide to rules of the game as well as commentary about how to set up a field and play each position. In 1860, the game looked a bit different than the game we see today. For example fielders in 1860 did not use gloves, and balls caught on one bounce or bound, were considered outs.
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The game of 1860 was a gentleman’s game and the pitcher, or hurler, was responsible to deliver the ball underhand over the home plate for the batter, or striker, to hit. The striker in turn was honor bound to not let good pitches go by. It was possible to strike out at this time, but there were no walks. The main rules variations are from the 1860’s, 1870’s and 1880’s. Along with playing according to these rules, vintage base ball teams also seek to maintain the spirit of the original game with its focus on gentlemanly play, fun, camaraderie and recreation. The original base ball clubs were groups that got together for the love of the game and as social organizations. Perhaps this helps to explain the popularity of Vintage Base Ball.
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Chadwick's
"Model Player"
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