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Historical Base Ball Re-Enactors to Play at the NorlandsBy Briggs Seekins Have you heard about the ballists coming up from Essex? A real murderers' row, is what I hear, not a muffin in the bunch. They can tally up the aces quick, let me tell you, striking red-hot daisy cutters into the garden to either side of the midscout, dropping suckers in behind the base-tenders. I sure hope the local nine is ready for them. We don't want to give the bugs any excuse for crankism. Sports fans and history buffs alike will be drawn to Livermore on Saturday, September 10, when the Norlands plays host to the Essex Base Ball Club. Organized by the Danvers Historical Society, the Essex Base Ball Club plays according to pre-Civil War era rules, allowing spectators the opportunity to experience firsthand the origins of our national pastime. The lads from Essex will be dressed in the heavy uniforms of the period and their on-the-field conversation will be peppered with 1860-era base ball jargon. Spectators will be treated to a competitive sporting event and a precisely rendered historical re-enactment all at the same time. For a modern fan, the game will be at once familiar and strange. Then, as now, teams were comprised of nine "ballists" each; games lasted nine innings and each inning had three outs per side. But the game then was radically different in some critical ways. Perhaps the most obvious difference is that fielders play barehanded. While the 1860 ball is slightly larger and softer, bruised hands and even dislocated fingers were, and still are, common injuries. A striker (or batter) is dead (out) if the ball is caught either on the fly or on one bounce; catching it on the fly is considered the more manly accomplishment. Another significant difference is the positioning of fielders. The hurler (or pitcher) stands only 45 feet from the striker; as opposed to the modern 60 feet, six inches, and throws the ball underhand. The catcher, known as the behind, plays anywhere within 45 feet of home plate. The first, second and third basetenders (the term "basemen" was not used until 1880) play much closer to the base that today's infielders usually do. Because the ball itself lacks the spring and bounce of a smaller, tighter, modern version, swinging for the fences just isn't part of the 1860 game. A cloud-hunter (fly ball) might look impressive, but a swift-footed scout has a good chance at running it down. In fact, it wasn't until Babe Ruth came along and professional baseball adopted the "live ball" in 1919 that the long fly ball became an important offensive weapon. A feared power hitter of the 1800s woud be somebody who excelled at stinging daisy-cutters, bug-bruisers and ant-killers (ground balls) between the fielders. As Hall-of-Famer Wee Willie Keeler, a star player in the 1890s advised, "Hit it where they ain't." The colorful language is a large part of the fun for spectators and players alike at a vintage baseball game, and a glossary of terms will be made available. Spectators, known as cranks, rooters or bugs, are encouraged to become involved in the reenactment. Come dressed in Victorian-era garb and give a shout of "huzzah for the striker!" or "Well struck, sir!" The lone empire for a pre-Civil War rules contest might even consult with the cranks for a ruling on a close play. But remember, baseball in 1860 is a gentlemanly pastime and the rules of polite society will be upheld. Any intemperate language, harsh criticism of a ballist's abilities or "chafing" over the umpire's decisions is likely to result in a 25 cent fine. Reprinted from the Washburn-Norlands Living History Center Newsletter, July/August 2005. | ||