Highland Park's Crosstown Base Ball Classic: Crescents vs Highlanders

Highland Park ---- Highland Park Historical Society will host on Sunday June 14th at 2:00 PM ‘Highland Park’s Crosstown Base Ball Classic: Crescents vs Highlanders,.’ This will be base ball played to rules circa 1858.

In the 1850s, “base ball” was a gentleman’s game, and a barehanded one at that. Sportsmanship came first and teams even cheered each other for good play. A ball caught on the fly or the first bounce was considered an out, dramatically changing hitting and fielding strategies.

The Crescents and Highlanders were both Highland Park teams established in the 1800’s. Volunteers who wish to play should be high school age or older, please contact the Historical Society. Team hats will be supplied, though participants will wear the uniform of the period: white long sleeved shirt, black pants and dark shoes. Players will arrive to Wolters Field at noon to learn the game. The game will begin at 2:00 PM, though the fans may come to view the activities at any time before 2:00 PM.

Dave Oberg, Executive Director of the Grayslake Heritage Center and Museum, will officiate and conduct this event dressed as a 19th century umpire. Players will learn the wildly different rules of the game. The fans will be instructed to cheer and jeer using baseball slang. from the 1850’s. This event promises to provide wholesome fun for all ages.

‘Highland Park’s Crosstown Base Ball Game,’ will be presented at the Wolter’s Field Baseball Diamond on 1080 Park Avenue West, Highland Park (driveway at the west end next to the animal hospital). For further information, please contact the Highland Park Historical Society: 847.432.7090 or hphistorical@sbcglobal.net Admission is free.

Highland Park Historical Society’s archives have moved to the Highland Park Public Library at 494 Laurel Avenue. Archivist Nancy Webster will be available Tuesday-Friday from 11:00 am until 4:00 pm and Sunday from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm. It is best to call in advance for an appointment