Conan O’Brien once said of vintage base ball, “Some say a waste of time; others say an incredible waste of time.” And time is largely the point. The people who spend their summer weekends dressing in base ball (yep, that’s how they spelled it in olden times–two words) uniforms styled from the 1860s and playing the game with rules from that era think about time and how it has only made superficial changes in the game but has made significant changes about how we entertain ourselves and treat each other.  As in the 1860s, we play with no gloves, we don’t spit, scratch, smoke, slide (gentleman would never heave themselves upon the ground) and certainly never argue with an umpire. The rules have many quirks that our umpires point out for the “cranks” (fans) in attendance. We cheer nice plays of our opponents as well as our teammates and we congratulate the other team – win or lose – with three “Huzzahs” after a game. Broken fingers are disturbingly common and swearing is refreshingly rare.

Yesterday, my team, the Akron Black Stockings, played for the Western Reserve Cup with the Cleveland Blues and the Chagrin Falls Forest Citys at Lakewood Park. It was a perfect day and a wonderful crowd. Players from all three teams answered questions from the cranks showing them the subtle differences between vintage and modern rules and equipment. Each team had one win and one loss and the five judge panel awarded the Cup to the Blues this year.

Conan’s look at vintage base ball affectionately mocked those of us who participate but it isn’t a waste of time. We know we look ridiculous to modern eyes. I rationalize that we’re a step above Civil War reenactors because we don’t know how our “battles” are going to end. But our “incredible waste of time” demonstrates how not everything old is worth forgetting. Spending a summer afternoon with friends playing a game works anytime or in any time.

All three teams can be seen in action again this Sunday, July 19 at Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens where we’ll be hosting the Akron Cup. There will also be teams from Columbus, Alliance, Canal Fulton, North Canton and Dover. Bring a picnic, tour Stan Hywet’s wonderful gardens, and watch some base ball the way it was meant to be played. –Submitted by Jim Lee