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Members of the Apple Jacks also play as members of the Union Base Ball Club of Minnesota.

WATCH THE VIDEO [Click on link below]

WXOW-TV 19 Feature Story by Heather Armstrong featuring the Apple Jacks and Bill Ohm

Hurrah to Heather Armstrong!

WHAT IS VINTAGE BASE BALL?

Prior to the Civil War, base ball was a new game and rules developed over time. By 1860 there were many base ball clubs east of the Mississippi and the sport was growing. On March 14, 1860 in New York, the National Association of Base-Ball Players adopted 38 rules as written down by Henry Chadwick and published in Beadle's Dime Base-Ball Player: A Compendium of the Game, Comprising Elementary Instructions of this American Game of Ball. Click on this link to see all 38 Rules of 1860.

Elements of 1860s base ball:

· The pitcher does not wind up; he throws underhanded, actually pitching (like horseshoes) to get the player to hit. “Hurler” was not used until 1906.

· The ball is 9-3/4 to 10 inches in circumference and stitched leather.

· Bats are round and wood, mostly ash or maple.

· No gloves are used – fielding gloves were not introduced until 1875.

· Bases are often made of canvas and filled with sand.

· The Umpire does not call balls and strikes, but 3 misses is an out.

· A striker or batsman (batter) is not walked.

· There is no bunting – it wasn’t part of the game until 1886.

· A ball may be caught on a fly or first bound (bounce) for an out; a foul ball or foul tip caught on a fly or first bound is an out.

· A base runner is not tagged; he is “touched with the ball.”

· A run is also called an “ace.”

Spectators should cheer for good play

from both clubs.

Spitting, swearing, and wagering

are not allowed.

Our custom is for players to politely ask the scorekeeper to record their ace; the players then ring a bell to signify their feat

(Photo: Jim "Scoop" Schupbach rings the bell).