Vintage Baseball Game Played In Holmdel May 19

HOLMDEL, NJ — Update: The May 19 game has been canceled due to rain.

Due to a forecast for continued rain — and "a soggy field that not only would make it unpleasant for our cranks (fans), but also unsafe for our dashing players" — the May 19 match has been canceled by the host, Historic Longstreet Farm.

The Monmouth Furnace team's next home game will be on Saturday, June 9 at 11 a.m. in Veterans' Park, South Amboy, versus the John Bulls of Radford's Ferry.

According to Furnace manager Russ McIver, "The sun will shine again, and the Monmouth Furnace will heat things up!"

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There will be no admission charge when the Jersey Shore's team in the Mid-Atlantic Vintage Base Ball League plays in Holmdel next Saturday, May 19.

The Monmouth Furnace Base Ball Club (the name of the sport was two words in the 19th century) will face the Brooklyn Atlantics at historic Longstreet Farm in Holmdel Park, 44 Longstreet Road, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 19. Come out and watch some old-timey base ball!

The teams will play by 1864 rules, which means swinging wood bats at underhand pitches and fielding the ball without gloves.

“Our entertaining games authentically re-enact the roots of the national pastime,” explained Russ McIver of Allenhurst, the team captain. “We make history come alive on spring and summer weekends, with quaint — but fast-paced — action on the field.”

This season, Monmouth Furnace will also play in South Amboy, Manasquan, Little Silver, Piscataway and Atlantic Highlands, as well as in nearby states.

The club's members come from all over the Jersey Shore region. They range from teenagers to senior citizens. The group often plays at historic sites such as Allaire Village. Monmouth Furnace was the original name of the 1800s Wall Township business that became Allaire Iron Works.

McIver said the team is always looking for additional baseball and softball players who want to have “good, old-fashioned fun as they learn how their favorite game started.” Prospective players and fans can get more information at 732-859-7643 or furnace@monmouth.com.

Pictured: A Monmouth Furnace player runs for second base during a recent "vintage" game. (Photo courtesy of Rich Wieland)