I had heard of the vintage baseball games at Deep River County Park (not to be confused with Deep river Waterpark). I thought it would be cool to check it out, so I told my husband Wes about it and we were off to a game. It was a lot of fun! It really is something fun (and free!) for families to go to and spend some quality time outdoors. Deep River has always been one of my favorite parks. Although I go for the nature aspect of it and walking on the trails, they offer several programs throughout the year, including the ever popular Maple Syrup Time in March.
This was a fun event to photograph. These teams are members of the Vintage Baseball Association. They play the game as it was played in the mid-nineteenth century (1800's). They play in accordance with the rules, equipment, uniforms, field specifications, customs, language, and general behaviors of the time period. The Grinders team play by the rules of 1858, referred to as "gentleman's rules". It was fun to hear them "heckle" each other, as well as interact with the crowd. So in keep with the time, I edited my photos with a vintage feel. I hope you enjoy them, and I highly recommend seeing a game in person! The next two games are local... May 19th the Grinders play the Sunset Hill Colonels at Sunset Hill Co. Park in Valparaiso ($5 per car), and the next home game is on June 3rd against the Vermillion Voles...
Walking across the bridge from the parking lot to the ball field...
This sign is by the other bridge near the gristmill...
Water for the team....
Umpire "Gentleman Jim"
The tally bell. After crossing home plate, the player proceeds to the tally keepers table to verify their name, and rings the bell so the scoreboard attendant can hear.
A Grinders tradition is "Kids at Bat". Following every home game, the children get to take a turn at bat and running the bases while the Grinders play the field. The Grinders are happy to let the kids experience our national pastime and have some extra fun!
And if you've never been, or just like going in and looking around (like me), the general store is open the day of the games!
Deep River Grinders
Indianapolis Blues
Vintage Baseball Association
Deep River County Park
9410 Old Lincoln Hwy
Hobart, IN 46342
For more photos, and my husbands unique storytelling,
visit Wes Bushby's blog here.
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