Vintage base ball at the Polo Field begins April 8

It’s that time of year again – base ball (two words) season! That’s right, Vintage Base Ball returns to the 6th Cavalry Museum and the Polo Field at the Historic Post on April 8 with a double header. At noon, watch as Mountain City of Chattanooga plays Phoenix of East Nashville and at 2:30 p.m., the Lightfoot Club of Chattanooga plays Quicksteps Club of Spring Hill. New for 2017 is the addition of an outdoor arts and crafts festival. “The opening games of the new season are always exciting, but this year promises to be even better,” said Chris McKeever, director of the 6th Cavalry Museum. “The addition of the arts and crafts festival adds another dimension to the event and has the potential to bring even more people to experience Vintage Base Ball for the first time. Think of opening day as fun for the entire family”

Vendor booths are just $25. There is no electricity and vendor must supply their own tables, tents, and chairs. Vendor applications can be found on the museum’s website.

For those not familiar with Vintage Base Ball, the game is played by the rules, equipment, uniforms and culture of the 1860s. Think of it as experiencing living history through base ball. Players assume the role of living historian while demonstrating how our national past time got its start.

The game, called a match, is played with wooden bats and no gloves, no balls or strikes are called and disputed calls are settled by the spectators. The players play for the sheer joy of playing and it shows.

Admission to the base ball match, the 6th Cavalry Museum and the arts festival are all free on April 8. Concessions will be available for purchase. Bring a lawn chair or blanket as there is no bleacher seating.

For more information about this event, including the vendor application, visit www.6thcavalrymuseum.org.