MIDDLETOWN, VA-Baseball has been around since the 1840s. Even the word had a different appearance. When the sport was first played, it was called “base ball,” and in some areas, “town ball.” It gained popularity during the Civil War, giving soldiers something to do during their time away from the battlefield. And the game’s rules were different from those used today – rules that many fans have known since their first experience with the game.
Countless books describe the game’s origins and rules. Ken Burns 1994 documentary, “Baseball,” delves into it all from the first episode. For instance, the first men to play didn’t use gloves. The home run did not exist. And outs were collected much differently. You could actually throw the ball at the runner, which probably hurt like crazy.
So yes, there are plenty of resources to brush up on the history of the National Pastime. But the chance to see the game close to its original form is rare. People will have the opportunity on Saturday, May 17. The Cedar Creek Battlefield Foundation of Middletown is hosting exhibitions between teams of reenactors who will play using rules from 1864. This event, the innaugural 1864 Rules Base Ball Festival, will take place on the fields behind the Cedar Creek Battlefield’s Headquarters, Shop, and Museum (8437 Valley Pike, Middletown, VA).
“Baseball was the favorite sport of both the Union and Confederate armies and it was played in military camps and prisoner of war facilities across the divided Nation,” said the foundation’s VP Gary Rinkerman. “Later, the sport helped to bring the Nation back together. Our goal is to enhance the Foundation’s strong connection with Civil War era history by returning this special sporting activity to the fields on which it was actually played.”
Participating teams include the Gettysburg Generals, the Keystone Base Ball Club of Harrisburg, and the newly-formed Middletown Maulers. To spectators, the games will look similar to today’s version of the sport, but as mentioned above, there will be key differences. You will notice right away that pitchers, called “hurlers” back then, throw underhanded, which is a more natural throwing motion compared to the style employed in the present game.
Gates open at 10 a.m. and the first game is scheduled for 11 a.m. Admission is $10. Kids aged 10 years and younger get in free. Reenactors are also admitted at no charge if wearing battlefield uniforms. Bring your own seat. Commemorative t-shirt will feature the image of William “Candy” Cummings, the inventor of the curveball, the pitch that changed the game forever
In addition to the festival, the Visitors Center is preparing a new exhibit centered around the game during the Civil War era. For fans who love the history of baseball, it will certainly be something to see. For more information, contact [email protected].
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