Listen Here
By Erin Moran
morane@findlay.edu
America250 brings vintage base ball to Findlay
As the country gears up to celebrate America’s semiquincentennial, the University of Findlay elected to connect the past and present by honoring the country’s pastime: Base Ball.
On Saturday April 18, students, staff, and the community of Findlay will gather at Rawson Park Baseball Field for a vintage base ball game played with the same rules as they did in 1860, before “baseball” was one word.
The game will feature the Great Black Swamp Frogs of Sylvania, OH, and the University team made up of faculty, staff, and students.
Dr. Vincent ‘Gino’ Coppola, a member of the team and psychology professor, expressed how the team is quite special.
Founded in 1991, the Frogs foster history, friendship, and camaraderie.
“It is amongst the aeries of the vintage base ball clubs, particularly in this area,” said Coppola. “Our purpose is to preserve the history of baseball, the way it was played before it turned into the game that we see today on TV.”
“And also just to engage in the purpose of base ball, which is to get outside, socialize, exercise, and just have fun,” said Coppola.
Unlike modern baseball, vintage base ball is played without gloves, underhand pitches, no strikeouts, sliding or stealing, and outs can be recorded after one ground bounce. All with the intent to play the game as it was when it was founded.
“It was more of a gentleman’s game,” said Coppola. “The pitcher’s job is just to put the ball in play for the batter to be hit, with the idea that we’d rather be playing the game in the field than watching a pitcher batter duel.”
The idea for the event began with Dr. Elizabeth Buchanan, a member of the city of Findlay’s America 250 Committee and associate professor of history at UF, after she brought up the idea to celebrate the national pastime during a presentation to the colleges.
“I immediately took note that the Frogs could be part of this and reached out to her and said, ‘I’m already on a vintage team, we have a rich history, and we love doing things like this’,” said Coppola. “Dr. Buchanan and I then teamed up.”
The event offers a unique experience to interact with a sport deeply rooted in the history of the country.
“Base ball is uniquely American,” said Coppola.
The origins of base ball date back to the nation’s identity, as it is derived from cricket and has developed throughout history.
“It is in the roots of American independence,” said Coppola.
“When we were fighting for our independence, we were still playing cricket. But as we became more and more independent and wanted to separate ourselves from the British, one of the main ways we did that was through base ball,” said Coppola.
However, the story does not stop there.
“During the Civil War, base ball was used as a recreational activity to keep soldiers in shape and to keep morale high,” said Coppola. The Civil War caused the explosion of base ball, because it brought people from all areas of the young country to these camps. They then learned the game, played by similar rules, and then, when the war was over, they all went back to where they came from and wanted to keep playing base ball.”
Over time, it kept evolving, eventually developing into what is seen today.
“Base ball is really part of the fabric of America, and I want people to remember and appreciate that,” said Coppola.
Beyond the history of the event and the direct connections it has to the 250-year celebration of the country, Coppola emphasized the impact it can have on the community.
“Events like this are just healthy for a community because it brings them together in a way in which you’re experiencing something that you maybe didn’t even know existed,” said Coppola. “It gives people an opportunity for themselves to grow and learn and bond, which is why I’m really excited for this event.”
Megan Arbogast, a sophomore criminal justice major, admitted she didn’t initially know much about the event.
“I think I saw one email,” said Arbogast. “But I didn’t really know what it was.”
With more knowledge and an understanding of the historical connections, Arbogast admired the event’s purpose.
“I think it’s cool to acknowledge our history, even though some people don’t agree with it, we can’t say it never happened,” said Arbogast. “I also think that it would be fun to see the professors and students play.”
She also shared how the event serves as a bridge between the university and the community of Findlay.
“The more traditions and things we have that happen every year make everyone excited,” said Arbogast. “Doing things in the community that don’t just involve college students is great and it is fun to get to see everybody just become more connected with everyone else who lives in Findlay.”
The event is free to attend and is family-friendly. The game will go from 1:00-4:00 PM with the first pitch at 1:30 PM.
