Vintage Base Ball: Recapturing the National Pastime

by James R. Tootle

Every spring, thousands of ball players across the country step back to the nineteenth century to play vintage base ball using the equipment, uniforms, rules, and customs of the game's early years. A unique combination of athletic contest, living history, and outdoor theatre, vintage base ball transports players and spectators alike to that fascinating and innocent time when athletes gathered on the diamond for recreation, exercise, and pure enjoyment. This lore-laden how-to provides all the information needed to play this entertaining, educational, and fast-growing game and to present it properly to the public, covering everything from historically accurate equipment and etiquette to the rules of play and game-day preparations.

396 pages, Paperback

First published June 13, 2011

Reviews

[Quentin Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Any lover of the game of baseball will find this an excellent addition to their library. It opened a new world of baseball to me and to the people who keep alive the beginnings of the game that we follow today. It is a how to book of setting up and playing vintage base ball.

It is interesting to see how the rules have changed and to come to the realization that the game started as a way for people to get exercise and enjoy the company of others. Of course in the early days sportsmanship played a more important role then it does today. Not many batters today will tip their cap to a fielder for an excellent play that kept them off of base. It truly started out as a gentleman's game.

I look forward to seeing a vintage base ball game one of these days. It will be fascinating to watch the players recreate the game as it was first played. They are more then just reliving the beginnings of the game we love today, they are keeping the foundation of the game alive.