Vintage Baseball Game
Today we are sharing our trip to The Sam Davis Home for a vintage baseball game.
When we were visiting the old home site we heard that they were advertising these vintage baseball games and that it was a great event. We were not sure what to expect at first but thought we would give the experience a try. We had such a great time and can’t wait to go back!
Vintage baseball is the perfect family-friendly game- with no cussing and no fighting. You don’t have to worry about what your kids are going to hear while there, and you learn about the history of this fun sport.
It is delightful family fun. We took a picnic but they had vendors there selling food and ice cream (which if I may say was delicious!) as well. If you go be sure to bring fold-out lawn chairs or a blanket to sit on.
The games are shorter and only last a few hours which is great if you have small children or just don’t want to sit in the sun all day- this was the first game I didn’t read a book through, I loved it!
The team members are all volunteers that love the history of the sport. They brought their families and everyone gathered around to enjoy the fun. Little ones played quietly along the sides of the field enjoying the bright sunshine.
What is vintage baseball you ask? It is a look back at how baseball was at an earlier time.
- The ball was different in the beginning. It was called a lemon- peel and was made out of a single piece of leather and was heavier and less tightly wound than our current baseballs.
- The ball was different in the beginning. It was called a lemon- peel and was made out of a single piece of leather and was heavier and less tightly wound than our current baseballs.
- There was once no restriction on the size of the baseball bat. It needed to be a 2 1/2″ diameter but there are different styles of bat that was used since the latter part of the 1800s
- In vintage baseball the pitcher will throw the ball. He is standing 45′ away and they deliver a hittable ball. The term balls and strikes were introduced in the 1860s in order to increase the speed of the game.
- No catching glove is used but the balls are caught with the bare hand. Catching the ball with two hands is often the method used to catch the ball.
- You didn’t see the use of gloves or mitts in baseball until the 1870s
- A hit ball that bounces on the ground would make the batter out.
- You could not overrun base. If you were off the base you were considered a baserunner.
- The home team does not always bat in the bottom of an inning.
- The field in vintage baseball is the same as the modern game.
- The bases in vintage baseball are 12″ square
- The batter hit by the ball is not awarded any base.
- There is no infield fly rule
- 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 umpire.
- Picnic Blanket
- Lawn Chairs
- Picnic Basket
- Ice Chest
- Sunscreen
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Thermos
There is much more to learn about Vintage baseball. To learn more about Tennessee Vintage Baseball check out their website.
Step back in time and enjoy an afternoon of history, fun and baseball!
Check out our other articles before you go:
- The Nashville Zoo
- Nashville Zoo; A Walk On The Wild Side
- Belle Meade Plantation
- Sam Davis Home
- Visiting The Hermitage
- Wynnewood
- Exploring Tennessee’s Piney Falls