Vintage Base Ball, Living History

While checking my email a while ago, I found an interesting article (located here) about an apparently growing trend: base ball clubs are forming nationwide that are dedicated to playing the game 19th-century style. These players are dedicated to recreating the game with historical accuracy, including period uniforms, equipment, rules, terminology, and nicknames. While the teams practice varying degrees of authenticity--one, the Athletic Base Ball Club of Philadelphia, requires the purchase of a $300 wool uniform--the article claims that their main purpose is "exercise and camaraderie with a historical twist."

Throughout baseball's history, there have been several editions of the official rules and each league must pick which one to use. The Athletic club is part of the Mid-Atlantic league, which uses the 1864 rules. These include such differences as being allowed to catch a batter out on one bounce (because gloves hadn't been invented and aren't used), not wearing helmets, and pitching underhand.

One reason that this seems to be catching on is in response to recent trends in professional baseball. According to Mid-Atlantic league commissioner Bruce "Early" Leith, "It brings people back to a simpler time, before million-dollar contracts, TVs, cars, steroids and gloves." By rewinding the clock, these vintage leagues are de-professionalizing baseball and attempting to bring back its original intent: casual fun.

I don't know enough about baseball history to say whether their interpretation of the sport's early days are accurate, but it seems to me that this is a great way to bring one piece of history alive. I immediately associated this with Civil War re-enactors in my mind (indeed, one of the Mid-Atlantic teams most dedicated to authenticity were Civil War re-enactors). Whether they are dedicated baseball enthusiasts or hobbyists drawn to the mid-19th century, these players can help us better relate to what we study, and I personally can't wait to see where else this might lead.