Historians who love baseball likely know that until the early 1900’s, what we know as baseball was really two words: Base Ball. And to that end, there are many baseball teams who play by 1867 rules to commemorate the first “World’s Base Ball Tournament” held in Detroit, Michigan, 151 year ago! The Oregon (Illinois) Ganymedes have been routinely playing for the last 12 years with Justin Early, forklift driver at the West Warehouse on A-Shift, playing for the last 6 of those years. Justin’s enthusiasm for the game has rubbed off on his 12 year old son, Kylar, who has spent the last 4 years as the bat boy and has also played as a substitute from time to time. Drawing his son into a game that Justin clearly loves will ensure the future generations love of the game and what better way for the two of them to spend time together. Because the team plays by 1867 rules, no baseball gloves are allowed! Imagine catching a baseball bare-handed! Ev- erything is era specific, right down to the wool blend pants and long sleeve shirts. Cell phones and water bottles, among other things, are not allowed during the game. There was no such thing in 1867! This summer was the 16th Annual World Tournament of Historic Base Ball with 12 teams, from 4 states, participat- ing. The games were held in Dearborn, Michigan. The Ganymedes, who during regular season, play by 1858 rules which does not allow stealing of the bases, had to play by 1867 rules, which did allow stealing and required a fly ball to be caught on the fly to register as an out. Remember, they have to catch the ball with their bare hands! After several games over the course of the two day tournament, the Ganymedes won the Third Class Division, garnering them a return trip next year to the World Tournament of Historic Base Ball. They were also recognized for the Furthest Traveled Award and their team Captain, Mark Herman, won the Finest Captain Award. The Gany- medes, who play from May through August may be done for this season, but are eager to start again in 2019. Justin Early & the Oregon Ganymedes Base Ball by Cheri Kemp
Justin, Kylar & Mikki
photos by Earleen Hinton, Shaw Media
October, November & December 2018 Crest Ink 17
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