Vintage Base Ball Takes The Field On Memorial Day In Newtown

NEWTOWN BOROUGH, PA — Vintage base ball returns to Pickering Field at Jefferson and North Chancellor streets on Memorial Day through the sponsorship of the Council Rock Newtown Athletic Association.

The free step back in time begins an hour later this year at 1 p.m. with the posting of the colors by the American Legion Post 440 Color Guard and the singing of the National Anthem and God Bless America.

Newtown Borough Mayor John Burke will throw out the first pitch in a game that will see the Newtown Strake take on the visiting Neshanock Base Ball Club of Flemington, N.J. in a vintage ball game played by 1864 rules.

That means pitching is underhand; players are not allowed to overrun first base; three balls are a walk; and catching the ball on one bounce is considered an out, although not a “manly” out.

“It’s an absolute blast to play,” says Bob Musto, who plays for the Strakes. “Some of the guys we play against are 75 or 80 years old. It’s truly amazing to me how good they are, how athletic and how skilled they are at the game.

“And to be at Pickering Field on Memorial Day and to play before the crowds that we get, it’s really an awesome, awesome day,” said Musto.

During the seventh inning, the poem “Casey at the Bat” is traditionally read and everyone will have a chance to stretch. The game will also include the traditional singing of the baseball anthem, “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.”

The event is free and open to the public. Pickering Field is located at North Chancellor and Jefferson Streets in Newtown Borough.