Over the last few decades, diehard vintage baseball enthusiasts have been resurrecting the grand old game and some of its pearliest forms. And while the trappings may seem familiar, it was a very different ball game.

 

“We are gonna take you back to a time today when Colorado was still a territory and baseball was a gentleman’s game.”

 

In the 1800s, gentlemen and women ballists would gather 9 to a team for a bitter friendly afternoon rivalry.

 

“Let’s play ball.”

 

“This is baseball, according rules that were played around 1860 to 1862. Balls being new to be cut on one bounce were an out. Because there were no gloves used at that time, not even the first baseman, nor the catcher. ”

 

The pitching was underhanded. And the striker or batter could even call the pitches from the hurler, high or low.

 

“I will fine you, sir.”

 

On a good hit, the striker might wag it on base with an ace. Runners tended to shy away from stealing, and a gentleman will certainly never slide. Nor would he lose his boarding temper.

 

“Team members will actually find if they use bad language on the field, or they did not play as a gentleman would be expected to play.”

 

“For me, I enjoy the gentlemanly nature, what they are doing here. It’s good to be with the guys. We all play together. We all help one other. Nobody gets too competitive. And if they do the umpire will fine them.”

 

Not too long after the period depicted by these vintage ballists, the game of baseball changed dramatically. Gloves were introduced, the rules refined, and although the game remained a leisurely pursuit, the first professional team arrived in 1869 with the Cincinnati Red Stockings, but the innocence and tradition still live on with vintage baseball teams.