The front lawn of the Historic Prospect Place Estate was transformed into an 1860’s Exhibition Base Ball Game field complete with all of the rules, equipment, uniforms, and even behavior of the time.
The Ohio Village Muffins took on a combined team consisting of the Trinway Prospects and the Canal Dover Redlegs. The gloves were literally off for this game since all rules from 1860’s base ball were being followed. The pitchers pitched underhand, the striker (batter) had to stand on or straddle a line through the home plate, there is no bunting, sliding, or running out of the base path and runs are called aces. The ball used in the mid-nineteenth century was heavier, a little larger and softer than modern baseballs. These are just some of the differences in 1860’s base ball, not to mention the fact that the name of the sport is spelled using two words.
There are many vintage base ball teams throughout Ohio and throughout the country. The Ohio Village Muffins are from Ohio Village in Columbus where their home field, Muffins Meadow, is located. They play over 40 matches each season traveling throughout the state and out of state to events. The Canal Dover Redlegs base ball team is from Dover and the surrounding area. Their home field is in Dover Park.
Historic Prospect Place, which was established in 1856, was the perfect location for such an event. People were invited to come and observe the game on the lawn and the players from both teams were more than happy to share information about vintage base ball. It was a treat for sure and resembled a Civil War reenactment in the way that everyone participating dressed, and even acted. Many of the players even grew their facial hair to match the period.
Trinway Prospects and Canal Dover Redlegs won the game with a score of 29 to Ohio Village Muffins score of 3.
This is a free yearly event, so if you have not attended one yet, be sure to be on the lookout for this event next year in October. Follow Historic Prospect Place on Facebook or visit their website, gwacenter.org, for future event dates and times.
