VINTAGE BASE BALL

 

 

“Hip Hip Huzzah!  Hip Hip Huzzah!” These are just the authentic sounds of the original all-American pastime of base ball. Every year on the parade ground behind Fort Mackinac, the Fort Mackinac Never Sweats face a visiting team in an exciting game of vintage base ball. There’s never a dull moment and there’s no predicting which way the game will go. Vintage base ball is full of surprises...especially when the rules are unlike anything you’ve ever seen in sports before. This annual game is not a re-enactment, but an actual, competitive sporting event. It is “base ball” as it was played in America in the 1860s, right after the Civil War. There are some differences to baseball played today - no gloves are used, and sliding into bases is not allowed. Gentlemen’s rules do apply, which means no spitting, swearing, or smoking on the field. When a player is caught doing this, they must apologize to the crowd directly and are not allowed to resume play until the apology is accepted and a fine is paid. During the game itself, the “cranks” (fans) are coached on vintage terms by an umpire with a top hat and megaphone who also enforces the rules. Player positions are referred to as they were over 150 years ago. A “striker” is up to bat, waiting for the “hurler” to pitch the ball. As a crank, you get to join in the action and cheer for your favorite team - Hip Hip Huzzah!
 

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