Theres More to Historic Gettysburg Than the Battlefield

Theres More to Historic Gettysburg Than the Battlefield

This last weekend people from Gettysburg as well as tourists from the outter areas were exposed to a real treat that is sweeping the county. Gettysburg Pa hosted it's 2nd annual Vintage Base Ball Tournament at the Hickory Hollow Horse Farm.

This years Vintage Base Ball Tournament saw more teams, more spectators, more fields which all equal more fun. This weekends event hosted nine teams playing on three fields and watched by upwards of 2,500 fans.

The rules are a bit different, such as a fly ball caught on one bounce is still considered and out. While strikes and balls are called, they don't mean much. If a "hurler" (pitcher) throws a pitch that is way off base, he will get a warning from the "mediator" (umpire). Likewise if a "striker" (hitter) lets a perfect pitch go by, he will recieve a warning as well. The ball itself is bigger than the ball used in todays game, yet not as large as a softball, and of course there are no gloves worn.

What is most strikingly (no pun intended) different to this spectator is the courtesy and respect displayed by the players towards each other and the mediator. Players applaud a fine play or hit by the opposite team, and refer to each other on the field as "sir". Compared to todays game it is a refreshing change and step back to a time when manners were everything.

This is my second time around, and Gettysburg Gerry will most definitely be attending with each new spring. A very nice way to celebrate both historic Gettysburg as well as the history of the grand old game of Base Ball.