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Community Corner

Vintage Base Ball at Pocopson Park

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Rick Stratton, Neighbor
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Vintage Base Ball has come back to West Chester!!!





Come watch the Brandywine Base Ball Club of West Chester face the Lewes Base Ball CLub!





This year will mark the inaugural season for a vintage base ball team in West Chester.  The team will play its games against other teams in the Mid-Atlantic Vintage Base Ball League.  There are other clubs in Philadelphia, Maryland and Delaware.  For more information on our club, you can find us on facebook & twitter.

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In vintage baseball, we replicate (to the best of our ability) competitive matches played by 1864 rules.  We dress in a uniform similar to what was worn in the 1860's.  The rules of modern baseball apply with a few notable exceptions:









  • There are no gloves for fielders.  The ball is a little softer but it still takes a bit of practice to become more comfortable playing barehanded. 




  • The batter is out if the fielder catches a hit ball on one bounce.  Other base runners may advance on a one bounce catch, but the batter is out.




  • After hitting the ball, the hitter cannot over-run first base (unless he plans to advance to second base).  Some players will slide into first on singles.




  • Pitching is underhand, from 45 feet.  There's no windmill, but pitches are generally delivered at a max speed of 50 MPH.








    • There are a few other minor differences but the game is played at a quicker pace.  The Brandywine Base Ball Club is seeking more players, umpires and community support.

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