Vintage Base Ball (spelled correctly) are in 21 states and Canada. They play by the rules and customs of the 19th century. The players (ballists) wear period reproduction uniforms of either trouser and shield shirt or later lace up shirt and knickers. Vintage baseball game rules have been recreated based on research of the rules from the mid to late 19th century. Some Vintage Base Ball clubs have been in existence since the 1980s but it is mostly a new sport. These clubs may be seen playing at open air museums, tournament re-enactments and city parks on open grass fields and modern baseball diamonds.
Many Vintage Baseball clubs in the VBBA have adopted the rules from the first Beadle's Dime Baseball Player, published in 1860. Proper rules interpretation is extremely important to the game.
Until the mid-1880s most ballists played with bare hands. However a few catchers did start wearing thin buckskin gloves in the late 1860's. Until 1865, fair or foul balls caught on one bound were outs. The more skilled players always attempted to catch it "on the fly" which made the bound rules unnecessary. Increasing numbers of clubs play the late 1860s style fly game. For example, where the ball first touches the ground determines whether the ball is fair or not. A ball hit in front of home plate that spins into foul territory is still a fair ball. Before overhand pitching was allowed in 1885, there was side arm pitching. The first year a pitcher could throw the baseball with one foot off the ground was 1886. Vintage Base Ball Club Newsletters
