Let's Play Ball!
An American Pastime Comes to Life Every Summer
GCV&M offers one of the nation’s most comprehensive 19th-century base ball program, including games all summer and the National Silver Ball Tournament. Each season, the Museum’s vintage base ball teams unpack their woolen uniforms, brown balls, and double-knobbed bats to play in Silver Base Ball Park, the first and finest replica 19th-century base ball park in the country.
The base ball program includes two ladies’ teams – the Belles and Porters (nee Priscilla Porter’s Astonishing Ladies Base Ball Club) – and four men’s teams – Rochesters VBBA, Spring Creek, Victory / Live Oak, and Flower City.
Enjoy America's Pasttime
Pack a picnic basket and a couple camp chairs or a blanket, grab an historic craft beer and a hot dog at Concessions, and spend a day watching base ball!
- Men’s matches are played most Sundays June – October at 11 a.m. & 1 p.m. Each of our 4 teams plays every game day!
- The ladies teams play once or twice a month, alternating between Saturday and Sunday to allow for more participation.
- Base ball is included with General Admission tickets and Museum Members are always FREE!
National Silver Ball Tournament
GCV&M’s National Silver Ball Tournament, which boasts 3 days of base ball and includes visiting teams from around the northeast and Midwest, occurs mid-summer each year.
Base Ball's History
Americans have enjoyed base ball (as it was spelled in the 1800s) for hundreds of years and generations of Americans have witnessed the game’s evolution from sports such as cricket and rounders. All the components of modern-day baseball started to come together in 1843.
That year, a group of gentlemen fond of town ball gathered to play games in New York City. In spring 1845, Alexander Joy Cartwright, a young engineer, proposed a structured organization. Later that year, the Knickerbockers Base Ball Club was formed, and on September 23, Cartwright’s rules of base ball adopted rules that closely resemble those of today’s game. This New York game soon replaced the Massachusetts game of town ball and all other variations of base ball in the United States. And on May 4, 1869, the Cincinnati Red Stockings became the first openly professional base ball team in the United States.
Vintage Rules and Slang
You're OUT!
Men’s and ladies matches at GCV&M follow slightly different rules from each other, but the best way to learn about either is to come to come to visit! Volunteer players are committed not just to play, but to engaging with visitors and interpreting the game, rules, and slang. True for both clubs: you won’t see any gloves or protective gear!
Men’s matches are mostly played according to the rules and regulations adopted by the National Association of Base Ball Players in New York on December 11, 1867.
Ladies matches vary depending on the number of players. You might experience diamond ball, town ball, or stool ball – and young recruits are always welcome to join in the fun!
Join the Fun: Volunteer
GCV&M’s base ball teams are made entirely of volunteers. Commitments are different for men’s and ladies teams, although both exist for visitor engagement, interpretation, and entertainment.
Learn more about base ball and other volunteer opportunities that support the mission of the Museum!
Support the Future of Silver Base Ball Park
Each summer, our Vintage Base Ball players and Camp Hard Hat volunteers help bring 19th-century base ball to life. With the outfield fence now rebuilt, our next focus is the bleachers, a long-requested improvement for players, families, and visitors.
Camp Hard Hat is ready to return next summer to take on this project, and we are raising $7,500 to purchase the lumber and supplies needed. Your support directly fuels this work and helps keep Silver Base Ball Park a safe, vibrant, and historically authentic place to play.