Greenfield Village

Vintage Historic Base Ball in Oakland County

Oakland County, MI Government Leave a comment
Royal Oak Wahoo's

Royal Oak Wahoo’s

The first recorded Baseball game in Michigan took place in Birmingham in 1857, between the teams of Bloomfield and Troy (in a field near what is now the corner of Old Woodward and Hamilton) according to an April 1897 Detroit Free Press article. The game started at noon, and the teams played until one team scored 100 runs.

The game of baseball has been enjoyed by millions since, as both players and fans. While the rules of the game have changed over time, the game is still basically the same one that has been played for over 150 years in Oakland County and America.

Locally, three teams play by the rules of the day (the day being the mid-1800’s). Continue reading →

Throwin’ It Back: 1800’s Style Baseball

Oakland County, MI Government Leave a comment

The game of baseball has been enjoyed by millions since the mid-1800s. While the rules have changed a little bit over time, the game is still  the same one that has been played in America for over 150 years.

Here in Oakland County, the Royal Oak Wahoo’s and the Rochester Grangers take the game back to its early days. Games are played from the rule book of the 1860’s – and their uniforms and equipment follow suit. Some old school rules include:

  • Batters can not over-run first base – they must stop on it.
  • No GLOVES!  In 1860, everyone caught bare-handed.
  • Players congratulate their opponents when a good play is made, and help the umpire make close calls with honesty.
  • After crossing home plate, the player must approach the scorer’s table, ring a bell, and politely request that the scorekeeper “tally your ace”.
  • And finally, there is no spitting, swearing or other action that may be offensive to a women or children.

Continue reading →