The Pittsburgh Franklins - Vintage Base Ballists

For the second year in a row, Marilyn and I, along with fellow SABR members Alan Steinberg and Joe Elinich (much to his consternation, Fred and Susan Shugars had a prior commitment and were unable to make it) traveled to Murrysville, PA to watch an exhibition vintage base ball (yes, it is two words) between the Pittsburgh Franklins and the Somerset Frosty Sons of Thunder.  The games were held as a part of the Murrysville Community Day celebration that took place today at Murrysville Community Park.

Vintage base ball, as played by the Franklins, is base ball played as it was played under the rules that existed in the 1860's.  Pitches from the hurlers to the batsmen are thrown underhanded, and the batsman is out if a struck ball is caught both on the fly or after one bounce.  This latter rule is perhaps the primary difference between vintage base ball and the game we watch today, and it adds an amazing amount of strategy, skill, and judgement to the game.

Watching these fellows play by these rules, strictly for the pleasure of playing, is very entertaining and a lot of fun.  And if you are thinking "beer league softball" as you read this, I can tell you that that is most definitely not the case.  These are very competitive games played by skilled "ballists".  The teams split their double header today, the Frosty Sons of Thunder winning game one, 3-2, and the Franklins bouncing back in the nightcap, 5-2.  We modern day "cranks" enjoyed it immensely, and look forward to being there next year.

Be advised that you will have another opportunity to take in some vintage base ball next month when the Franklins host what they are calling a "Scrambler" event.  Players and fans from five different cities throughout Pennsylvania and Ohio will gather at White Valley Park in Export, PA on Saturday, September 29, for an all day event featuring vintage base ball, food, beverages, live music and other events.  I will write more on this as the day approaches, and you can also check out the the Franklins' website at www.pittsburghfranklins.com.

I also want to pass on a "huzzah" to the folks in Murrysville for staging their Community Day events.  Murrysville is a long way from the North Hills, but it was worth the ride, not only to see the Franklins play, but to take part in such a fun, wholesome event, that really seems to be a product of a bygone age.

I'll leave you now with some more scenes from the day.