Baseball fans and Civil War enthusiasts alike will enjoy the Simsbury Historical Society’s second-in-a-series Civil War Sesquicentennial commemoration event. On June 5, Gary Goldberg-O’Maxfield (aka “Pops O’Maxfield”) will talk about baseball’s development during the Civil War. Pops, a featured speaker at the Baseball Hall of Fame and on ESPN, will share stories about the troops and baseball, including the First Connecticut Artillery’s famous game against the Charter Oak BB Club in 1865. Following the talk, Simsbury’s own vintage “base ball” team, the Taverneers, will give a demonstration of the game, complete with period uniforms and Civil War-era rules. Attendees can also participate in a family-friendly Wiffle ball game that will be played 1800’s style on the Phelps Tavern lawn after the program. The event will be fun-filled and educational.
Baseball During the Civil War will be held on June 5 at 2 p.m. at the Methodist Church across the street from the Simsbury Historical Society (800 Hopmeadow Street). Cost at the door is $5 for members and $7 for non-members. For more information, please call the Historical Society at 860-658-2500.
