David "Buster" Hollis of the Lightfoot Club at the plate while his team looks on
photo by Kym Thomas
Vintage Base Ball is back from COVID restrictions and returns to action on the polo field May 1 for a single match between the two local teams, the Lightfoot and Mountain City Clubs at 2 p.m. Thrill to the original sport played with no gloves, no strike zone and lots of fun while enjoying the outdoor beauty of Barnhardt Circle’s historic polo field.
“The season opener is always exciting, and this year we’re excited to bring base ball back to Fort Oglethorpe," said Chris McKeever, director of the 6th Calvary Museum. "It’s free museum Saturday for everyone who visits and you’ll get to see our newest exhibit The Triple Victory of the 6888th. You’ll get to watch vintage base ball, tour the museum and take a step back in time to learn about Fort Oglethorpe’s unique military history and the best part it’s all absolutely free.”
In addition to Vintage Base Ball, the Fort Oglethorpe Historic Preservation Commission will also be at the 6th Cavalry Museum to kick off May as National Historic Preservation Month from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. to meet the public and scan local historic photos. Of particular interest are photos from the Army Post era (1902-1947), the beginning of the city (1949) and “lost places and events” in Fort Oglethorpe, such as St. Gerard Elementary School, the city’s first businesses, parades, opening of city hall and other events that tell the city’s history through photos.
For those not familiar with vintage base ball, this is base ball played by rules, equipment, uniforms and culture of the 1860s. Think of it as living history through base ball. Players are all volunteers who incorporate the early history of base ball. The game, called a match, is played with wooden bats, no strike zone and no gloves. The arbiter, who today is known as the umpire, explains the rules and differences to the crowd and for contested calls will ask the crowd to make the ruling. The players play for the sheer joy of playing and it shows.
Admission to the base ball match and the 6th Cavalry Museum are free, as is parking. Bring a lawn chair or blanket as there is no bleacher seating. For more information about this event visit www.6thcavalrymuseum.org or www.tennesseevintagebaseball.com.
2021 Season
May 15 matches play at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
June 5 matches play at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
June 26 match plays at 2 p.m.
July 10 matches play at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
August 21 matches play at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
August 28 match plays at 2 p.m.
Sept. 11 match plays at 2 p.m.