Vintage Base Ball...

We have been trying to attend a Vintage Base Ball game ever since learning of these leagues years ago. How completely awesome that Temecula not only has a team- the Dear Bros., but they were hosting a home game while we are in town, to boot.

What's not to love? "Imagine baseball in its purest form. A rustic and pristine pastime of sportsmanship, athleticism, and enjoyment. This is how baseball once was— and it can still be enjoyed in this pure form today. Welcome to the first and only vintage” base ball” league in Southern California: So Cal Vintage Base Ball (SCVBB). SCVBB uses 1886 rules and replica uniforms and equipment. Vintage base ball is not only a competitive game, but also a reenactment of baseball life similar to American Civil War reenactment. The styles and speech of the 19th century are also used while playing. Currently 10 clubs make up this league: the Crestline Highlanders, Palmdale Blue Stockings, Riverside Smudge Pots, Long Beach Oilers, Redondo Beach Wharf Rats, Perris Prospectors, Arrowhead Loggers, Temecula Dear Bros, Lordsburg Trolleymen and the Fullerton Fire Knockers."

Many teams appear to be direct copies of teams that existed in the late 19th century. The Dear Bros. are the team Temecula chose to emulate. I think they did a fantastic job.

The rules are definitely different and are based on Spalding's Base Ball Guide.

"Seven balls, not four, earn a walk and foul balls -- unfair balls to these history buffs in cleats -- don't count as strikes. Old-time batters, called strikers, can spend a lot of time at the plate facing down the hurler on the mound. The teams -- led by captains, not managers -- feature a first keeper at first base."

Base Ball was a game for the toughest of the tough. No pitch counts. Gloves without webs. Spikes up. Wool uniforms in the summer heat. It was not for the faint of heart.

Unlike today's baseball, the umpire stands by the pitcher and is called Sir. Arguing with him is frowned upon. When small-town squads faced off in the late 19th century, the umpire usually was a well-respected figure in town, like the mayor or a judge. Oh, and they dressed quite dapperly with fanciful facial hair encouraged.