Play Ball!

Join the fun on Sunday, July 11, when four vintage base ball teams battle for the Western Reserve Cup in Lakewood Park. Vintage Base Ball (yes, it was originally two words) is baseball played by the rules and customs of an earlier period. Ballists don period uniforms and re-create the game "as it was meant to be played." The Lakewood Historical Society is excited to host the Western Reserve Cup, a vintage base ball match between four teams (the Akron Blackstockings, the Forest City Base Ball Club, the Cleveland Blues and the Whiskey Island Shamrocks) on Sunday, July 11 at 1 p.m. at the Stone House Field in Lakewood Park. 

The Western Reserve Championship began in 1865 with teams from the area playing each other in base ball matches that would determine an overall champion of the Western Reserve. The winner received a silver ball and rosewood bat made by Tiffany's Co. The Western Reserve Champions included the Oberlin Penfields (1865), the Forest City Base Ball Club (1866 and 1867) and the Railway Union Base Ball Club (1868). 

In 2009, the tradition of a Western Reserve Championship was renewed when the Akron Blackstockings, Forest City BBC and Cleveland Blues met for a tournament at Lakewood Park. The event was sponsored by the Lakewood Historical Society. The Champion Club recieves a trophy that will be passed on to each successive champion in future seasons.

The mid-nineteenth century game was considerably different than it is today. Ballists played with bare hands until the 1880s and balls caught on one bounce were outs until the mid-1860s. Balls are considered fair by where the ball first touches the ground. That is, a ball hit in front of home plate that then spins into foul territory is still a fair ball. There are numerous other differences, but modern spectators will still recognize our national pastime. 

This event is free and open to the public. Peanuts, popcorn and vintage pop will be available for purchase at the event. For more information on the events, contact the Historical Society at 216-221-7343 or museum@lakewoodhistory.org.