History and Baseball April 15th

Join members of the Essex Base Ball Organization as they welcome in the 2012 season on Sunday April 15th with a day of history and play. We have assembled a full day packed with history of baseball and other bat and ball games from the 19th century. In the morning we have several historians lined up to share their knowledge and then in the afternoon we will let people test their hand at playing 19th century wicket and 1861 rules baseball. The day will include lunch and a pint of Ipswich Ale. For a $25 donation participants will get a lunch, a beer, and will be considered a Friend of the Essex Base Ball Association and will get a free pass to one league game. All proceeds for the day will help the newly formed Essex Base Ball Association this upcoming season.

10-10:15 Welcome/ reception/ Intro
10:15-10:45 What is Wicket by Larry McCray

— Larry McCray A researcher at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology who, since 2005, has coordinated “Project Protoball,” a record of print references to baseball and parallel bat and ball games prior to 1860, and a member of the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR) will discuss the strange game of wicket. Wicket was a game played primarily in the 19th century in Western MA and CT.

10:45-11:15 Recreation of the Boston Red Stockings by John Shannahan

n A long time participant in vintage base ball John and his Mudville Base Ball Club have transformed themselves into the 1870’s Boston Red Stockings. John will discuss why he decided to recreate the Red Stockings and tell us what he envisions for the club.

11:15- 11:45- Handmade 19th century baseballs and gloves by William Peebles

– William Peebles of the Huntington Baseball Company will be on hand to show us how he hand makes replica 19th century baseball gloves and balls. William will discuss his company.

11:45-12:15 (Lunch) and What is this league all about…. By Brian Sheehy

– Brian “Cappy” Sheehy will discuss what the Essex Base Ball Association is all about, the history of the three teams, and some of the special programs that we have scheduled for the 2012 season and beyond.

12:30-1pm Wicket Demonstration (all are welcome to try)

1pm-3pm NY Style Open Game( all are welcome to try)
Join member of the Essex Base Ball Association as they take the field and get ready for the 2012 season.

Spring Training….

Its time to start warming up the arms and get in baseball shape. With all the beautiful weather the Essex Base Ball Association will be hitting the field early this year with our first scheduled practice Sunday April 1 at 12pm. If you are interested in joining the new league we still have a few slots open so come on down and try your hand at playing. Contact Cappy at historyball@yahoo.com for more info.