Vintage base ball is amateur baseball played by the rules and customs of any earlier period. Players dress in period uniforms and enact rules and use language reminiscent of 1860s-era America. We use the word "enact" because games are not "re-enactments," but are recreational and completely unscripted. We invite you to visit the national organization's web site, www.vbba.org, to read more.

The Union Base Ball Club of St. Louis is one of several dozen clubs in North America that play by the 38 rules adopted in the early 1860's by the “National Association of Base-Ball Players.” In all, over 125 museums, historical societies and independent groups re-create several different eras and variations of old ball games.

Each re-creation is slightly different, but all predate modern ballpark traditions such as the singing of the National Anthem (which did not routinely occur until World War II), the ceremonial first pitch, the seventh inning stretch, and a chorus of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” (which was not written until 1908). As a spectator at a vintage base ball game you are given the opportunity to witness modern baseball’s humble roots.

The 1862-rules game played by the Unions is known as “New York rules” base ball, having been established in 1845 by a gentlemen’s club from New York City. The Knickerbocker Club created the game because town ball was tiresome (one way to put the runner out is to throw the ball at him) and cricket requires a considerable amount of time and space, two things city-dwellers often lacked. The game continued to evolve and grow, having spread to New Jersey and throughout Long Island in its infancy and to most industrial cities (including St. Louis) by 1860. Modern baseball is a descendant of this game.

In the early 1860's, “base ball” was normally spelled with two words, although the hyphenated variation was coming into its own. A nine-inning game was an innovation, having been adopted a few years earlier by eastern clubs. Games were as likely to be played after work on a Wednesday as a Saturday, but never on a Sunday. Players were all amateurs and their motivation was sport, relaxation, camaraderie and fraternity. The rules suggest that the competition was more good-natured than cutthroat.

Vintage Base Ball Terminology
Club Nine Hurler Umpire Adversary Aces Scout Player Dead 3 Hands Dead Team Pitcher Umpire Opponent Runs Outfielder Out Side Retired Match Behind Cranks Foul Tic Striker Muff Leg it! Huzzah! Game Catcher Fans Foul Ball Batter Error Run! Hurrah!
1860s Rules and Customs
Base Ball is a Polite Game:
Matches are conducted according to the highest standards of sportsmanship, courteous behavior, and respect for others There is no swearing, spitting, scratching, consumption of alcohol, chewing of tobacco, or wagering. Players shall forbear from commenting on the umpire's judgement.
The Umpire:
Calls foul tics immediately. May ask players and cranks for assistance in making calls. Does not call balls, and may call strikes, if deemed necessary. Levies fines, on the spot, for disrespectful conduct
In Hurling:
The ball must be hurled underhanded, not jerked or thrown. The ball must be delivered as near as possible over the the center of home plate, or any location desired by the striker.
A Striker is Out When:
A batted ball is caught on the fly or one bound off the ground. A fielded ground ball is thrown to first base ahead of the striker's sprint to the bag. After three swinging or called strikes. Foul tics are not strikes.
Other Differences:
Players do not wear gloves or other protective equipment. There is no sliding, leading off, stealing bases, or free overruns of first base. Players crossing home plate safely must proceed to the tallykeeper's table, place one hand on the table, raise the other hand and ask the tallykeeper to please tally his ace for his team. He is then instructed to strike the tally bell. Only then does his ace count. A runner may advance at his own peril if the striker's ball is caught on one bound on fair territory.