Vintage Baseball League Took a Swing at History at Gorgas Park

If you build it, they will come. That was the theme at on Tuesday when the Athletic Baseball Club of Philadelphia brought vintage baseball to the grass-covered field of dreams. The club, established in 1859 and reformed in 2009, left their home field at Memorial Hall to bring the decadence of 1864 to Roxborough.

Most players wore period uniforms, some complete with authentic era wool pants on a hot, sunny afternoon. With no gloves and only their bare hands, the group set up an 1860s baseball field, brought their our own equipment and used only old-time rules. Local children, teens and community members came to take a swing at history.

The Athletics with the “A” on their chests, the Diamond State Club of Delaware with the “W” symbol and the Eclipse baseball club of Elkton, MD were just a few of the people joining the game.

The Rovers beat the Tramps 9 to 8 after roughly 7 or 8 innings. Members were not keeping track too seriously as they said it was more for fun and the love of the game.

Following the game, the 1989 baseball hit movie, “Field of Dreams” was shown in the park starring Kevin Costner and James Earl Jones.

Ladies and gentleman alike are encouraged to participate in future games. Contact info@phillyvintagebaseball.org for more information or visit www.phillyvintagebaseball.org.