19th Century Base Ball Game at Lincoln Log Cabin
America’s favorite pastime returns to Lincoln Log Cabin for the season on Saturday, May 23rd, at 10:00am. Visitors are invited to step back in time and join in a game of 19th century base ball, historically spelled as two words! New players are always welcome — men and women, young and old, skilled and unskilled. Everyone who wants to join in the fun will get a chance to play.
Base ball game play and rules in the mid-19th century were similar to modern rules and will be explained before each game. A few differences: pitches are underhand, and you won’t see any gloves or protective gear! We’ll play by the 1858 rules. Learn more about the rules and the history of the game at https://www.vbba.org/ and https://www.vbba.org/1858-rules/
The event is free and open to the public, no RSVP required. Spectators should pack a blanket or lawn chair and a picnic lunch to eat while you watch the game. The Lincoln Log Cabin Foundation will have ice cold drinks, light snacks, and candy available for purchase.
Are you interested in joining a vintage base ball team based at Lincoln Log Cabin? An official team is forming to play in organized matches with other local vintage base ball teams next year. Please email volunteer@lincolnlogcabin.org for more information, or attend one of our all-comer games this season!
Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site, a gateway site for the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area, was the 1840s home of Abraham Lincoln’s father and stepmother, Thomas and Sarah Bush Lincoln. It is located eight miles south of Charleston and 14 miles southeast of Mattoon.
This event is produced by Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site and the Lincoln Log Cabin Foundation. For more information about this or other events at the site, call 217-345-1845, email info@lincolnlogcabin.org, or visit www.lincolnlogcabin.org.