If you are a fan of both history and sports then you will not want to miss the annual 1860’s Base Ball Exhibition Game held on the front lawn of Historic Prospect Place Estate (12150 Main Street, Trinway) on Sunday, September 17 at 2:00 p.m. The game is played with 1860’s rules and the players are all dressed in appropriate 19th century baseball attire.
The 29-room mansion steeped in history and located just outside of Dresden has housed many events through the years since being owned and maintained by the nonprofit G. W. Adams Educational Center, Inc. Public ghost hunts, historic flashlight tours, self-guided tours, and a series of other events pertaining to history and the supernatural are all hosted at the mansion and help to raise money to make ongoing upkeep and restoration possible. The 1860’s Base Ball Exhibition Game being held on the sprawling lawn of a home built in 1856 seems fitting.
“Who doesn’t like a fun baseball game or, rather base ball game (as it was referred to in the 19th century). Whether you’re watching little league play or old-timers running the bases, baseball in all its forms (past and present) is fun and exciting for all ages, participants and spectators alike. Though the vintage elements certainly add flavor and excitement to the exhibition, I think the passion, devotion, and enthusiasm of the teams like the Ohio Village Muffins and Canal Dover Redlegs, make the event very special for us at the mansion. It seems only natural to host a game of vintage 19th century base ball; a sport that was quickly rising in national popularity at what would have been the newly built estate of one of the region’s most prominent citizens,” explained Jeffrey Cole, Executive Director The G. W. Adams Educational Center.
Johnathon Robson, a volunteer and retired trustee, got the ball rolling a few years ago after watching an 1860’s baseball game for the first time. “Johnathon is a huge baseball fan and memorabilia collector, who had seen the Muffins play in the Columbus area and always wanted to try to get them out to Trinway. He also recognized what an outstanding community outreach program this could be. One that folks of all ages could really enjoy. Of course, our challenge has always been trying to recruit and manage a team of our own. Thank heavens for the Canal Dover Redlegs!” exclaimed Cole.
“The exhibition is free and open to the public. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, and when arriving, please park on the perimeter of the estate. If you’re age 16 and older, in relatively decent physical condition and would like to play; write to us at gwacenter@gmail.com. The Trinway Prospects are always recruiting!” added Cole.
