For the love of the game
Volunteers play 19th century baseball at Living History Farms
Much of today’s attraction to the game of baseball is the “power hitters.” With one swing of the bat, those like Alex Rodriguez, Albert Pujols and David Ortiz seem to capture fans’ attention by defying gravity launching baseballs into the night sky. But long before the modern game, “America’s game” was played much differently, particularly in the 19th century. During this period, baseball was a game of fielding, and for a small group of volunteers who make up the Walnut Hill Bluestockings at Living History Farms, they’re teaching the game’s roots and taking on those who want to play.
“Our goal is to show the evolution of baseball and how the game was played at that time,” said Chris Knoll, 1875 baseball director at Living History Farms. “Everyone can watch a game on television or attend an I-Cubs game, but to appreciate the game, you have to understand where it started.”
Approximately 20 volunteers from across central Iowa, ranging in age from 18 to mid 40s, make up the Walnut Hill Bluestockings. A majority of the Bluestockings’ games are played on Sundays from May through October. The team is currently 2-1, following the rules of 19th century baseball. The Bluestockings next game is July 4 at 2:30 p.m. Some of the rules include underhand pitching with both feet on the ground, the hurler (pitcher) delivering the ball where the striker (batter) requests it. A “high” ball is thrown between the striker’s shoulders and waist. A “fair” ball is between the shoulders and knees and a “low” ball is between the waist and knees.
One of the biggest differences between today’s game and the one played at Living History Farms is strikers are required to bat with a split grip. A fist must fit between both grips.
“The purpose of the split grip was to prevent power hitting,” Knoll said. “The object back then was to field the ball. Today’s players try to hit the ball as far as they can — that’s not the case in 1875. If you’re going to hit a homerun, it’s going to be an infield homerun.”
Another major difference Knoll says is that players don’t have gloves.
We’ve found news articles about players who have lost a pinkie or another finger playing,” he said. “Last year, our hurler was hit by a line drive in the palm of his hand. His season ended because it ended up being a deep bone bruise. The game can be dangerous if you take a line drive, but overall it’s pretty safe.”
Throughout the spring and summer months, the Bluestockings are continually looking for competition, encouraging those who would like to participate to contact Living History Farms. So far, the team has played church groups, companies and organizations from the community. There is no cost to play, but teams must have nine players.
“Prior to the game, we’ll go over all the rules so everyone understands what will be happening,” Knoll said. “We also provide the uniforms.”
In years past, the Walnut Hills Bluestockings have traveled across the state, presenting to elementary through senior high schools about the 1870s game with slideshows and presentations. Following this season’s games, the team allows attending youth to step up to the plate and get a feel for the game.
“We want kids to experience this great game and where it began,” Knoll said. “It’s America’s game.”
Locker Room note: For a complete Walnut Hill Bluestockings’ schedule, which includes a July 8 game at Principal Park before an I-Cubs vs. New Orleans Zephyrs game, visit www.livinghistoryfarms.org. CV
Caption: Teams looking to play the Walnut Hill Bluestockings in a game of 1875 baseball should contact Living History Farms at 278-5286. Photo courtesy of Living History Farms
