Darius “Britches” Matthews of the Mountain City Club
photo by Kymberly Thomas
The Lightfoot and Mountain City Clubs, the two local clubs of the Tennessee Association of Vintage Base Ball will play the noon match of the day’s double-header on July 23 at the polo field in Fort Oglethorpe.
Mountain City (5-1) has a score to settle as their only loss this season has been to their local rival, the Lightfoot Club (6-0). The 2:30 p.m. match finds Mountain City back on the field hosting the Quicksteps Club of Spring Hill. This is the second year of play for both clubs.
"In the spirit of part living-history, part sporting event; Vintage Base Ball’s mission is to entertain and educate our communities by recreating the civility of 19th century barehanded base ball, played on an open field. The league observes the rules and customs of the 1860’s with ballists playing in period-appropriate uniforms, using period-appropriate equipment and customs. Base ball was a gentleman's game back then. There was no spittin', no swearin' and no gloves," officials said.
The Vintage Base Ball season is winding down with a double-header at the polo field on Aug. 6. A double-header will also be played as part of the National Park Service 100th Centennial celebration at the Chickamauga Battlefield’s Recreation Field on Aug. 27 beginning at noon.
All matches are free to attend along with free parking. Spectators are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets as there is no bleacher seating. Period dress is encouraged but not required.
Contact Chris McKeever at 706-861-2860 or 6thcavalrymuseum.org for more information.