A’s Society Goes Back in Time

On July 16th the A’s Society set up display tables at the 2nd annual “19th Century Base Ball Tournament” in Gettysburg, PA. The two-day tournament featured players wearing the uniforms, using the equipment and following the rules of baseball as the game was played in the 1860s. Ten clubs harkening from Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan and Colorado took place in the round-robin contest hoping to become the tournament champion.

While it’s not hard to recognize the 19th century version of the game as baseball, there are sharp differences between how the game was played back then compared to how it is conducted today. For example, in the 1860s, none of the players wore gloves and the catcher had no special protective equipment; the bats were made of thick wood, and only one ball was used for the entire game; the pitcher—called a “hurler” in the 19th century—delivered the ball underhand, and batters—called “strikers” in the 1860s—were out if the balls they hit were caught on the first bounce, whether it be in fair or foul territory.

The players performing in the tournament obviously enjoyed turning the clock back to play baseball as it was done 150 years ago. The competition was in earnest, and although it was a bit hot, the mild humidity assisted the participants in giving it their all on the field.

The A’s Society occupied four tables, showing a mixture of artifacts for display and merchandise for sale. Many of the artifacts pertained to Eddie Plank, who was born in Gettysburg and largely earned his Hall of Fame credentials while playing for the Athletics. Gettysburg Eddie’s Restaurant, one of the tournament sponsors, is named in honor of the legendary pitcher. Numerous people—players and fans—stopped by the A’s Society’s tables to look at the displays and talk about Philadelphia’s baseball history.

The day turned out splendidly for all who were there, and the A’s Society is grateful to tournament organizers for inviting it to participate in the event. The tournament is becoming a permanent feature of Gettysburg’s summer schedule, and plans already are underway to hold it again next year during the third weekend in July.