In this part of our web guide, we will discuss the Vintage Base Ball Association (VBBA), a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the history of 19th-century base ball in the United States.
It seeks to achieve this through a league of teams that play the game as it was played during baseball's formative years, using the rules, equipment, uniforms, field specifications, customs, practices, language, and traditions of early 19th century baseball.
Although member teams play actual games, in a large sense, it is a form of living history.
In its early days, baseball was expressed as two words; for this reason, the VBBA uses "base ball" rather than "baseball" in its references to the game. I will do the same here, although it displeases Grammarly.
The VBBA was established on February 11, 1996, in Columbus, Ohio, on the 150th anniversary of the first recorded baseball game between organized teams. The motivation was to provide a platform for enthusiasts to experience and learn about the early days of baseball, which has changed considerably since its inception.
By recreating the game in its original form, the VBBA aims to bridge the gap between the past and the present, allowing modern baseball fans to connect with the roots of the game.
The VBBA uses the National Model of Base Ball Players (1858) as a model, ensuring that all aspects of the game conform to those of an early version of the sport.
Currently, the VBBA has over two hundred vintage base ball teams across the United States. Playing by the rules and customs of base ball as it was played in the 19th century and other historical eras, teams participate in various matches and events, designed to keep the spirit of vintage base ball alive.
Membership is open to any vintage base ball club or individual interested in the association's purpose. Clubs must meet specific criteria, such as having at least nine members, agreeing to support the association's purpose, and presenting themselves in period-appropriate attire. Its bylaws also emphasize the importance of historical accuracy and authenticity in all activities. Members receive access to resources such as rulebooks, historical information, and networking opportunities with other teams.
Players use period-authentic equipment, including balls, bats, and gloves, often handmade or reproductions of originals. Uniforms are period-inspired, often with distinctive logos, colors, and designs. Vintage base ball emphasizes sportsmanship, gentlemanly conduct, and a more leisurely pace, reflecting the norms of the 19th century.
Websites representing the VBBA, any of its member teams, or other websites featuring the VBBA or its activities are appropriate for this category.
Recommended Resources
Founded in 2018, the Boston Union Base Ball Club honors the history of the 1884 Boston Unions of the short-lived Union Association. The team primarily follows the rules and customs of the game as it was played in 1864. Matches are played throughout the spring and fall seasons, offering a historically accurate experience for both players and spectators, including wooden bats, period-accurate uniforms, and lemon peel base balls. Rosters, schedules, and stats are stated.
https://www.bostonunionbbc.com/
Chicago Salmon Vintage Base Ball Club
Founded in 1996, the Chicago Salmon Vintage Base Ball Club plays a vintage style of base ball dating back to 1858, and is affiliated with the Vintage Base Ball Association (VBBA). The Club's roster consists of players from around the Chicago area, and plays matches against other area teams at various locations, including the Historic Methodist Campground in Des Plaines, Illinois. The Club also participates in barnstorming tours, playing against other vintage base ball teams.
https://www.chicagosalmon.org/
Cleveland Blues Base Ball Club
Based in Cleveland, Ohio, the Cleveland Blues Base Ball Club is a vintage base ball team patterned after the original Cleveland Blues team that played in the National League from 1878 to 1884. Today's Cleveland Blues play by the rules of 1860s to 1870s base ball, using wooden bats and period-accurate equipment and gear. The re-creation of the Cleveland Blues came about in 2008, and has participated in various matches and events, providing a historically accurate base ball experience.
https://clevelandbluesbaseball.com/
Colorado Vintage Base Ball Association
Established in 1993, the CVBBA is a non-profit organization that works to preserve the history of 19th-century base ball in Colorado, and educating the public through demonstrations, workshops, lectures, and living history performances in the form of vintage base ball matches. The CVBBA hosts various events throughout the year, including the Annual Congress of Ballists Festival and Goodwill Matches, through several member teams, which are highlighted here, with schedules.
http://www.cvbba.org/
Continental Base Ball Club of Kalamazoo
Originally formed in 1861, the Continental Base Ball Club of Kalamazoo was re-established in 2013 to once again play the game of base ball as it was played in its infancy, now known as vintage base ball. Part of the Vintage Base Ball Association (VBBA), the Club's roster and team are introduced, its schedules posted, and information about supporting the Club are featured, along with photographs and news reports on the organization, photographs, and the rules of 1861.
https://kalamazoocontinentals.org/
Based in Wichita, Kansas, the Cowtown Vintage Base Ball club is part of the Old Cowtown Museum. Formed to bring the experience of 1870s base ball to life for visitors and participants, they re-create two historic teams: the Wichita Red Stockings and the Wichita Bull Dozers, playing matches by the rules of the National League of 1876 or the National Association of Base Ball Players from the early 1860s. Games are designed to be family-friendly, entertaining, and educational.
http://cowtownbaseball.org/
Delaware County Vintage Base Ball Association
The DCVBBA allows players and fans to experience baseball as it was played in the 19th century. The association is dedicated to producing historically accurate and competitive 19th-century baseball in a family-friendly environment throughout Delaware County, New York, and the surrounding areas. The association features several teams, who play the game with wooden bats, period-accurate attire, and sometimes without gloves. All games are free and open to the public.
https://www.delcovintagebaseball.org/
Emulating the original Dirigo Base Ball Club of Augusta, Maine, which played from 1867 to 1869, the re-creation of the Dirigo Vintage Base Ball Club is a non-profit, educational and living history organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the game of base ball as it was played during its formative years. Schedules are posted on the site, along with base ball history, photos, a score card, and the 1860 rules and customs for the game. Contacts are provided.
https://www.dirigobaseball.org/
The Douglas Dutchers is a vintage base ball club based in Douglas, Michigan. Associated with the Vintage Base Ball Association, the club was established to provide historical education through participation in an 1860 vintage base ball setting. The team plays at Beery Field, a site with a rich history of sporting event dating back to 1860. The Douglas Dutchers participate in various matches and events throughout the season, using the equipment, apparel, and rules of 1860 base ball.
https://douglasdutchers.org/
Founded in 2002, the Essex Base Ball Club is a vintage base ball team that honors the historical aspect of America's favorite pastime. The Club is part of a league that includes other area teams that play vintage base ball--baseball according to the rules and customs of the 19th century. The Club plays its games at Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm in Newbury, Massachusetts, and has grown considerably since its founding. Schedules, membership information, photos, and contacts are featured.
https://essexbaseball.wordpress.com/
Gettysburg National 19th Century Base Ball Festival
The annual event is designed to transport fans back to 1864 to experience base ball as it was played during that time. The festival features up to thirty-two clubs from all over the United States competing in sixty-two games over two days. Held at the Schroeder Farm in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, the family-friendly base ball events features playing wearing period-appropriate uniforms and equipment from the 1860s. Festival schedules, details, and sponsors are featured.
https://www.gettysburgbaseballfestival.com/
The Lemont Quarrymen Vintage Base Ball Club was formed in 2011 by history buffs and baseball enthusiasts in Lemont, Illinois. The club showcases the way that the game was played in 1858. With players ranging in age from 14 to 74, the Quarrymen play without gloves, tending their bases and scouting the outfield, wearing period-appropriate attire and gear, using the rules of base ball that existed in the mid-19th-century. Schedules, rosters, photographs, and contacts are provided.
https://www.lemontquarrymen.com/
Milwaukee Grays Base Ball Club
Honoring the history of the original Milwaukee Grays, who played in the National League in 1878, the Milwaukee Grays Base Ball Club plays by the rules of 1860s base ball, using wooden bats and lemon peel base balls, providing a historically accurate and fun experience for both players and spectators. The Grays play their matches at venues around the Milwaukee area, including Hawthorn Glen, Estabrook Park, and Doctor's Park, competing against other vintage clubs from Wisconsin and Illinois.
https://www.milwaukeegrays.com/
Mountain Athletic Club Vintage Base Ball
Based in Fleischmann's, New York, the Club continues a tradition that began in 1895. Fashioned after the original team established by yeast magnates Julius and Max Fleischmann, the Mountain Athletic Club connects generations to the national pastime through authentic play according to the rules and customs of 19th-century base ball, playing its home games at the M.A.C. Grounds at Fleischmanns Park, and participates in matches and events throughout the season Contacts are posted.
https://www.macvintagebaseball.org/
Mutual Base Ball Club of New York
Honoring the original Mutual Base Ball Club of New York (New York Mutuals), which was originally established in 1857 as one of the founding members of the National Association of Base Ball Players. Disbanded in 1876, the Mutuals have been recreated as a vintage base ball team that plays by the rules of 19th-century base ball. Its website provides information about the club's history, schedules, photographs, membership information, merchandise, and contact data.
https://nymutuals.com/
National Association of Historic Base Ball Clubs
Founded in 2009 as the Mid-Atlantic Vintage Base Ball League, the NAHBBC is dedicated to preserving and promoting the history of 19th-century baseball. The organization honors America's national pastime by transporting players and spectators back in time to relive the glory and challenges of baseball as it was played in the 1800s. The NAHBBC brings together member clubs that follow the rules and customs of baseball clubs from a specific year in the 1800s. Member clubs are listed.
https://nahbbc.com/
Tennessee Association of Vintage Base Ball
The TAVBB was established in 2012 to entertain and educate communities by recreating the civility of 19th-century base ball. The association promotes living history by bringing the 19th century to life through base ball events using the rules, equipment, apparel, and culture of the 1860s. They host monthly living history events during the playing season and offer demonstrations and workshops year-round. Membership information, event schedules, and contacts are provided.
https://tennesseevintagebaseball.com/
The VBBA is an organization dedicated to preserving, perpetuating, and promoting the game of base ball as it was played during its formative years. Founded in 1996 in Columbus, Ohio, the VBBA uses the National Association of Base Ball Players as a model for the game. Its mission is to preserve the history of the game, support the growth of vintage base ball clubs, educate the public about the game, and promote sportsmanship. An introduction to the organization and its teams is provided.
https://www.vbba.org/
The Vintage Base Ball Factory specializes in creating historically accurate uniforms, baseballs, gloves, and caps for vintage base ball clubs. They offer a wide range of 19th-century and early 20th-century styles, including metal buttons, felt lettering, and assorted color combinations. Their products are made in the United States and are designed to meet the historic specifications of the era, and include uniforms, caps, baseballs, gloves, and other gear. Contacts are posted.
https://vbbf.com/
