Vintage Base Ball Returns to Spencer Peirce Little Farm in Newbury

The games are played using rules from the 1860’s which include no gloves and any ball caught on “one bound” anywhere on the field is an out. The games are fast paced and a doubleheader usually takes about three hours. The emphasis is on good sportsmanship. Players are amateurs, most being former high school and college players with an occasional former pro. They play because they simply love playing America’s national pastime. 

The Essex Base Ball Organization, is a non-profit “vintage” baseball group based in Newbury. There are four teams in the organization: The Essex Base Ball Club, Lynn Live Oaks, Lowell Base Ball Club, and Newburyport Clamdiggers. One of the club’s goals is to teach the history of baseball through games and demonstrations. In addition to playing a full schedule of games every summer, the organization runs youth clinics to teach children the evolution of the game through hands-on activities. The club also lectures on baseball history at historical societies, libraries, and other civic organizations.

To view the schedule and for more Vintage Base Ball info and history, visit the Essex BaseBall Organization blog at: essexbaseball.wordpress.com