Base Ball by the Lake is an old Holliston Tradition….
July 25, 1857 – The vicinity of Winthrop Street was a lively spot on Saturday afternoon. A numerous concourse of our people was gathered to see the contest between the Holliston and Medway players. We are not able, in the Editor’s absence, to report particulars; but we hear that the balance was in favor of the other side.
If this be so, we presume our side will put themselves in more thorough training, and no wise disheartened, try it again. After all, the mere matter of winning is not the most important thing. The exercise itself is manly and most healthful. – The Holliston Transcript courtesy of Joanne Hulbert
In the belief that the current edition of the Holliston male is as manly as his 19th century predecessor, The Mudville Base Ball Club will be hosting the Vintage Base Ball Classic on Saturday, August 16th at Stoddard Park. Teams from Colorado, Maine and Ipswich will join our local heroes in celebrating the beginnings of our National Pastime, by playing games employing the rules enjoyed during the 1860’s as well as the Massachusetts Rules of 1858.
The Classic offers fans of the grand old game an opportunity to see how it was played in its infancy. The Massachusetts Rules game evolved from Town ball which featured no foul territory and outs achieved by “soaking” the runner. 1860 era games more closely resemble today’s contests, with some interesting twists. All games are played with no gloves.
Joining the Mudvillians on the field will be the Colorado Territorial All-Stars, above, a fun-loving group making news recently for their appearance on the cover of the latest Phish CD.
The Dirigo Vintage Base Ball Club, above, will be coming down from Maine for the day. They recently defeated our boys at the Wayland 375th Anniversary Celebration (see above-“ the mere matter of winning is not the most important thing”). Appearing last but not least is the Ipswich Brewers Base Ball Club. The Brewers are a fine team, but they are even better beer producers, being the heart and soul of the Ipswich Ale Brewery. Many a Mudvillian has been found roaming in the vicinity of their beer truck (a fairly large delivery truck with beer taps on the sides) at the annual Country Music Fest in Newbury. Ah, the joyous life of a ballplayer!
The public is invited to join the festivities which begin at 10 AM. Win or lose, the Mudville Club will find satisfaction in this most manly and healthful endeavor.
(The Mudville Base Ball club)
(Fun around the Ipswich Beer Truck)