Ohio Statehouse to host vintage ‘base ball’ match
On Wednesday, May 22, the Ohio Village Muffins and Lady Diamonds will face off against the Capitol Cannons, state senators and representatives, in an old-fashioned game of “base ball.” The match will go from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the Ohio Statehouse West Lawn, and it is free and open to the public.
Before and after the two teams square off to win the Richard Schuricht Memorial Cup, the Statehouse’s 1st Ohio Light Artillery, Battery A will provide cannon firing demonstrations. History displays and concessions will also be available to the public.
This exhibition game involves rules and regulations from the 1860s that Abe Lincoln himself observed, so some of them might appear unconventional. There are a few major differences between “base ball” and baseball that the audience should be aware of:
• The ball is pitched underhand from anywhere behind the pitcher’s line.
• If a ball is hit and caught on a bounce, it is an out.
• Base runners may not steal nor slide foot-first.
Experience the entertaining seven-inning affair, enjoy an outdoor meal and witness cannon firings all in one night. Food and beverages will be provided by the Feed Your Soul Kitchen food truck and Milo’s Catering.
To view photos of the 2023 “base ball” match, visit https://www.ohiostatehouse.org/galleries/vintage-base-ball-2023.
About the Ohio Village Muffins and Vintage “Base Ball:” Formed in 1981, the Ohio Village Muffins were the first vintage “base ball” team in the United States to play a set schedule of games. They also hosted the initial meeting of the Vintage Base Ball Association (VBBA). The uniforms are standard to the 1860s: plain pants, a white shirt with a bright shield containing the team emblem, a vintage cap, a leather belt and a red tie. Recreational activities for men and women, especially “base ball,” were becoming more ingrained in American society during the middle of the 19th century, so the Muffins represent a changing America. They highlight a game that would transcend all others and become America’s favorite pastime.
Support for this event is provided by the Ohio Lobbying Association, the Ohio Village Muffins and Lady Diamonds, and the 1st Ohio Light Artillery, Battery A.
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