Two unique base ball games will be played on Saturday, April 30 at the Zolfo Springs Pioneer Park. Unique because the games will be played using 1864 base ball rules instead of the modern rules that most folks are familiar with.
In 1864, the players did not use gloves, the pitcher hurled the ball underhand and there were no called balls or strikes. Plus, base ball was spelled as two words!
The Pioneer Park will be a very authentic 1864-era venue because although there was a baseball diamond with 90 feet between the bases, the field was normally just pasture land.
Two Florida vintage base ball clubs, the Fort Myers Vagabonds and the Central Florida Awkwards, will be the contestants. The players will be wearing authentic period uniforms and period bats, balls, and bases.
Two seven-inning games will be played with the first pitch of the first match at 11:00 AM.
The players welcome spectators and they will interact with everyone to explain the rules and the action.