What’s the Difference? Vintage base ball (two words) is a reflection of how baseball (one word, the modern game) existed at an earlier time. Here are some of the main differences from modern baseball: • The cover of a vintage ball, called a lemon-peel, is made from one piece of leather rather than two and stitched in a cross pattern. The ball is wound less tightly than a modern baseball and is slightly larger. • There was no restriction on bat size except a 2.5” diameter on the barrel. The bats we use show a range of different styles from the late 1800s.
The Tennessee Association of Vintage Base Ball was established in 2012 with a goal to entertain and educate the communities by recreating the civility of 19th century base ball.
We are lucky to have two of the Vintage Base Ball teams right here in Williamson County - the Franklin Farriers and the Travellers Club of Brentwood. You can their game schedule, including other Vintage Tennessee teams online and learn how you can join in on the fun. Be a part of the history and go cheer them on at one of their next games! In addition to monthly living history events during the playing season, they also do demonstrations and workshops for youth and senior groups, museums, historical societies, corporations and others year-round. These programs are designed to provide history in a fun and educational manner; develop team-building skills; and/or for pure entertainment. Should you care to have two teams play an exhibition game at your event, they will work with you to schedule such an event. If you would like to learn more, visit thier website at tennesseevintagebaseball.com.
• The pitcher throws the ball underhanded from 45 feet away, and his or her job is to deliver the striker a hittable ball. Called balls and strikes were introduced gradually throughout the 1860s in order to increase the pace of play. • No gloves are used; the catcher and fielders play with bare hands. Gloves, mitts, and other protective equipment didn’t make an appearance until the 1870’s and weren’t commonly used until the 1880’s. • Before 1865, a batted ball caught “on the bound” (one bounce) caused the batter to be out. For the other base-runners, catching the ball on the bound allows them to advance in the same way as a ground ball. In 1865 the rule was changed to require the ball to be caught on the fly. • There is no over-running of first base. If a striker running to first runs off of the bag, he is then considered a base-runner and may be tagged out. • Unlike modern baseball, the home team doesn’t always bat in the bottom half of an inning. Who bats last is determined by the arbiter throwing a bat between the team captains. Whoever grabs the knob of the bat chooses the order of first offense or defense. • The field is the same size and shape as the modern game, but bases are 12” square. Home plate is a 12” painted white disc. First and third bases are half way into foul territory. A line is drawn parallel to the pitchers point through home plate; hence the arbiter’s call, “striker to the line.” • The umpire is often called the “arbiter,” and he usually positions himself behind and to the side of the striker. He is to loudly announce foul balls and balks, assess fines for ungentlemanly behavior, and request the input of the crowd if a close play is in dispute. • After the first inning, the first striker up isn’t necessarily the next player in the order. Instead, he is the player following the last man who made an out in the previous inning. • A striker hit by the ball is not awarded any base. • No infield fly rule. A player may intentionally drop a ball to begin a double play • In the early years of baseball, base-stealing was common, but sliding in the modern sense was not. • Ungentlemanly behavior, such as spitting or cursing, was subject to a fine by the arbiter.
Information provided by tennesseevintagebaseball.com.
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