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Legends of Baseball Vintage Showdown

Legends of Baseball Vintage Showdown with Dartmouth Alumni Association of Silicon Valley at Municipal Stadium in San Jose, CA 10/17/2009.

On a Saturday afternoon, the inaugural game of Legends of Baseball Vintage Showdown was held in San Jose, CA. The Legends played the Stogies of the Vintage Base Ball Federation. The playing was with rules and equipment in use in 1886, which included seven balls to get a base on balls, fielding a foul ball on one bounce is an out, and no penalty for a pitcher hitting a batter with the ball. The players used period-appropriate gear including rather small fielder's mitts for those not bare-handing it. At the end of the day, the Legends prevailed over the Stogies 16 to 15.

The Major League Baseball (MLB) Alumni Association raised money for several charities and non-profits including the DAASV Book Award Program by playing an 1800's style baseball game. Spitballs, trick pitches, knickers, hidden ball plays, (really) stolen bases, and 100-year-old rules. What better way to experience history, and America's favorite sport, up close?

Legends such as Rollie Fingers, Gaylord Perry, Ken Griffey, Sr., Bert Campaneris, Darrell Evans, Vida Blue, Lee Smith, Blue Moon Odom, and Rickey Henderson interacted with fans, playing the game as it was invented, and talking with kids. No autograph requests were refused, and access to the players was unprecedented for those accustomed to Major League Baseball today. After the game, the Hall of Famers said they liked playing under the 1886 rules, "It's a more gentlemanly sport."

Members of our Dartmouth Alumni Association of Silicon Valley family had the opportunity to attend a VIP dinner with the players and have their kids get on the field with the Hall of Famers. The event chairman for DAASV was Dr. John Eliot '93

George and Janet Hamma joined the event to take pictures for sharing with DAASV members.

High quality prints are available by clicking on the "Buy" button. If any photos are published, a photo credit to George Hamma would be appreciated.

(C) George Hamma 2009
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  • Fans were greeted by a corps of students from Grizzly Youth Academy of San Louis Obispo, CA.

    Fans were greeted by a corps of students from Grizzly Youth Academy of San Louis Obispo, CA.

  • San Jose Municipal Stadium was an appropriate place to host an 1890s baseball game.

    San Jose Municipal Stadium was an appropriate place to host an 1890s baseball game.

  • The San Jose Municipal Stadium is one of the more intimate venues for a baseball game.

    The San Jose Municipal Stadium is one of the more intimate venues for a baseball game.

  • The knickers and uniform look really good.

    The knickers and uniform look really good.

  • Press box - the announcer called the game from near home plate on the field - not your usual game.

    Press box - the announcer called the game from near home plate on the field - not your usual game.

  • The Legends bat boy and one of the Stogies players before the fans entered the field.

    The Legends bat boy and one of the Stogies players before the fans entered the field.

  • The stadium wasn't full, but those present showed a lot of appreciation for the game and the players.

    The stadium wasn't full, but those present showed a lot of appreciation for the game and the players.

  • CRW_1437

    CRW_1437

  • Getting a feel for the softer, lighter 1886 baseball.  There was lots of catch avoidance during batting practice when the ball hit was a modern hardball.

    Getting a feel for the softer, lighter 1886 baseball. There was lots of catch avoidance during batting practice when the ball hit was a modern hardball.

  • Gaylord Perry signing autographs

    Gaylord Perry signing autographs

  • Warming up on the field.  The players are getting a feel for the lighter, softer 1866 ball.  Notice the lack of modern gloves.  Lots of people came early to watch the warm-ups and batting practice.

    Warming up on the field. The players are getting a feel for the lighter, softer 1866 ball. Notice the lack of modern gloves. Lots of people came early to watch the warm-ups and batting practice.

  • Vince Coleman tries out the older-style glove.

    Vince Coleman tries out the older-style glove.

  • CRW_1442

    CRW_1442

  • The umpire discusses the different rules of 1886 baseball with some fans.

    The umpire discusses the different rules of 1886 baseball with some fans.

  • _MG_1274

    _MG_1274

  • Bill "Spaceman" Lee discusses the skinnier, longer, heavier bats that were used in 1886.

    Bill "Spaceman" Lee discusses the skinnier, longer, heavier bats that were used in 1886.

  • The umpire and announcer for the game discuss what's ahead.

    The umpire and announcer for the game discuss what's ahead.

  • Batting practice uses a barrier to protect the pitcher and a carpet marked with a home plate and guidance stripes.

    Batting practice uses a barrier to protect the pitcher and a carpet marked with a home plate and guidance stripes.

  • This player explained he preferred to use a really light-weight glove to have a better feel for the ball.

    This player explained he preferred to use a really light-weight glove to have a better feel for the ball.

  • In the dugout.

    In the dugout.

  • CRW_1456

    CRW_1456

  • Bill Lee demonstrates how to hit the ball during batting practice.

    Bill Lee demonstrates how to hit the ball during batting practice.

  • Bill Lee puts the heavy, skinny bat right where the ball is.

    Bill Lee puts the heavy, skinny bat right where the ball is.

  • Bert Campaneris provides an autograph for a fan.

    Bert Campaneris provides an autograph for a fan.

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    CRW_1437.jpg
    Getting a feel for the softer, lighter 1886 baseball.  There was lots of catch avoidance during batting practice when the ball hit was a modern hardball.
    Gaylord Perry signing autographs