Gentlemen,
For the past year and a half I have been thinking about putting together
a Vintage Base Ball (yes back in the day it was two words) Club.
What is Vintage Base Ball? Vintage Base Ball is baseball played by the
rules of the specific era chosen. There are different eras to play; 1860’s-70’s
or the 1880’s-90’s. I have chosen the 1880’s-90’s
style of play because of the two; this era is more like the modern game.
Not only is the game played by this bygone eras rules, but the uniforms
and equipment are also period authentic. Gloves and bats are either actually
from the turn of the century or made today to the specifications of that
period of time. Catcher’s equipment too is from the turn of the
century. I have yet been able to find someone that makes “vintage”
catchers equipment. The uniforms, with their collared, long sleeve shirts,
knickers and high socks that look the part but are all made with today’s
materials for comfort and durability (wool uniforms are a bit uncomfortable).
In order to accurately “represent” a turn of the century team
from our area, I had contacted the Rockland County Historical Society,
the Rockland County Sports Hall of Fame and spent a few hours at the library.
The original team: the Rockland County Athletics was an all-star team
comprised of the best players from the local teams, which played in the
Rockland/Bergen league. The teams were in Nyack (Winchesters), Nanuet,
Bardonia, Spring Valley, Tappan and Haverstraw (Washingtons). There were
other teams in the Rockland area also, the Grassy Point (Minisceongos),
Garnerville (Orioles), West Haverstraw (Irish Americans) and Stony Point
(Alphas). The Rockland County Athletics actually beat the New York Giants
in an 1896 exhibition game.
In order to find out more about the league, I had contacted the Vintage
Base Ball Association (VBBA), the Hartford Senators Vintage Base Ball
Club and various manufacturers of new “vintage” base ball
equipment. In making these contacts, I have found out that there are over
140 teams across the nation that play vintage baseball (including 24 New
York teams, 3 New Jersey teams and 5 in Connecticut). I was also invited
to the two of the many tournaments that teams from around the country
travel to play in. There is the Hartford Vintage Base Ball Invitation,
which is played over the Fourth of July weekend and the Old Time Base
Ball Festival at Old Bethpage Park in August.
We already know how to play the modern game of baseball, but vintage base
ball is a little different. The rules of 1887 are on the League Rules
page, since this is the era we would be playing. Although we would have
to meet for an initial practice (it does take some getting used to catching
with the small glove), and since we all have to work, coach little league,
etc., I’m not so concerned about having weekly practices. And since
we all have families I do not want to infringe on those summer vacations,
so I would look to have the games played on a fall schedule.
Some of the web sites of the equipment manufacturers needed for vintage
play are listed on the Links page. Pictures of the equipment and a sketch
of the uniform we would be wearing can be found on the Equipment Required
page. Most of you have seen my gloves and the ball we would be using.
I already have a catchers mitt, first base mitt, catchers mask, an 1880’s
style bat and a prototype uniform. The mitts and mask are actually from
the 1890’s and would be used as team equipment. I have been unable
to find a vintage chest protector (shin guards are not allowed).
There are some costs involved (please review the Equipment Required page).
The cost per player so far is anywhere from 255.00 to 453.00. This is
without insurance. The Rockland County Parks Department and the VBBA will
not let us take the field without insurance. Insurance is 140.00 and will
be split between the club members. I will soon be in the process of setting
up a web page and e-mail so it will be easier to contact team members
and other teams.
I am looking for 11 to 13 dedicated people who would like to play. If
you are truly interested (or knows of anyone who is interested), please
let me know. Please do not hesitate to contact me.
Vito Sanfilippo
e-mail: [email protected]
