Base Ball Steps to the Plate At Old World Wisconsin

Old World Wisconsin will host its first-ever Vintage Base Ball Weekend June 2-3, as the museum showcases America's pastime from two vantage points: a men's 1860s base ball game on Saturday (base ball was originally spelled as two words) and a women’s 1940s exhibition game on Sunday. The family-friendly games begin at 1:30 p.m. on the Ward School Field, at the south end of the museum grounds. 

Saturday, June 2:

Old World Wisconsin's historic base ball team, the Eagle Diamonds, opens its eighth season of play, taking on the Milwaukee Cream Citys. Wearing authentic wool uniforms, the ballists (players) use a lemon-peel stitched apple (ball) and the hurler (pitcher) delivers the pitch underhand. After the game, cranks (fans) are invited to join the club on the field for practice.

After this home opener, the Diamonds will play six additional games this season; home games are July 14 and 28, and Aug. 25.

Sunday, June 3:

The Kenosha Comets and Racine Belles will play by the 1943 rules, as

part of the World War II Girls Baseball Living History League. The game recalls a women's baseball league that formed when the men were away at war and America needed a baseball fix.  The dress and play is authentic, down to shouts of, “Skirts to the dirt!” to encourage teammates to slide. The movie "A League of Their Own" was based on this historic organization.

Original girls-league players will be invited as special guests, including Joyce Westerman who will be available after the game to sign copies of the Wisconsin Historical Society Press book about her life and sporting career, "Joyce Westerman: Baseball Hero." Westerman's daughter, Judy Vanderford, and granddaughter, Heather Vanderford, plan to play in the game.

Admission:

• There is no additional charge to watch the games; museum admission includes admission to the game.
• "Base Ball Carload Pricing" is in effect during base ball events: $43 admits an entire carload (up to nine people). 
• Adults $16; children (5-17) $9 (children under 5 are free); students and senior citizens (65 and over) $14; family (two adults and two or more dependent children 5-17) $43.

Times:

• Game times are at 1:30 p.m.
• Museum hours: Saturday:  10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

More Information:

• Eagle Diamonds:  For more information about the historic team, vintage rules and terminology, and 2012 schedule:  http://oldworldwisconsin.wisconsinhistory.org/Baseball/AboutVintageBaseball.aspx
• Kenosha Comets vs. Racine Belles:  http://oldworldwisconsin.wisconsinhistory.org/Events/EventDetail/Event1502.aspx
• Museum:  www.oldworldwisconsin.org or (262) 594-6300