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Base Ball Game at Ohio Statehouse
September 19, 2023
 
Capitol Cannons vs. Ohio Village Muffins and Lady Diamonds
Columbus, OH– On Tuesday, September 26, the Ohio Village Muffins and Lady Diamonds will face off against the Capitol Cannons, state senators and representatives, in an old-fashioned game of “base ball.” The match will go from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the Statehouse’s West Lawn, and it is free and open to the public.

Before and after the two teams square off to win the Richard Schuricht Memorial Cup, the Statehouse’s 1st Ohio Light Artillery, Battery A will provide cannon firing demonstrations. History displays and concessions will also be available to the public.

This exhibition game includes rules and regulations from the 1860s that Abe Lincoln himself witnessed, so some of them might appear unusual. There are a few major differences between “base ball” and baseball that the audience should be aware of:

· The ball is pitched underhand from anywhere behind the pitcher’s line.
· If a ball is hit and caught on a bounce, it is an out.
· Base runners may not steal nor slide foot-first.

Come watch the seven-inning affair, enjoy an outdoor meal and witness cannon firings all in one night. Food and beverages will be available from the Paddy Wagon food truck and Milo’s catering.

To view photos of the 2021 “base ball” match, visit Vintage Base Ball 2021.

About the Ohio Village Muffins and Vintage “Base Ball”


Formed in 1981, the Ohio Village Muffins were the first vintage “base ball” team in the United States to play a set schedule of games. They also hosted the initial meeting of the Vintage Base Ball Association (VBBA). The uniforms are standard to the 1860s: plain pants, a white shirt with a bright shield containing the team emblem, a vintage cap, a leather belt and a red tie. Recreational activities for men and women, especially “base ball,” were becoming more ingrained in American society during the middle of the 19th century, so the Muffins represent a changing America. They highlight a game that would transcend all others and become America’s favorite pastime.

Support for this public event is provided by the Ohio Lobbying Association, the Ohio Village Muffins and Lady Diamonds, and the 1st Ohio Light Artillery, Battery A.

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