Vintage Base Ball at Heritage Village
Experience America's Pastime as It Was Played in the Late 1800s
Step back in time and enjoy one of Michigan's most unique historical experiences as vintage base ball returns to Heritage Village.
Played by the rules, customs, and spirit of the late-19th century, Vintage Base Ball offers visitors a chance to see the game as it was enjoyed by Americans more than 100 years ago. Players wear period uniforms, use historically inspired equipment, and compete according to the rules of the era—creating an entertaining and educational experience for spectators of all ages.
Whether you're a lifelong baseball fan, a history enthusiast, or simply looking for a fun summer outing, Vintage Base Ball at Heritage Village combines recreation, community, and living history in a way that brings the past to life.
Admission is free, and all are welcome to attend. Bring a lawn chair, gather the family, and enjoy an afternoon at the ball field.
2026 Vintage Base Ball Schedule
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June 6 1:00-3:00PM | Heritage Village
Take your family out to the ballgame at this free event at Heritage Village. Mackinaw City will be taking on Douglas Dutchers BBC.
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July 25 1:00-3:00PM | Heritage Village
Vintage Base Ball is a show piece of the Annual Heritage Village Festival. Mackinaw City will be taking on the Regulars BBC.
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August 15 1:00PM | Heritage Village
Take your family out this Double Header. As always, a free event at Heritage Village. Mackinaw City will be taking on the Minneconsin All Stars.
About Vintage Base Ball
Before modern baseball stadiums, electronic scoreboards, and million-dollar contracts, base ball was a community pastime played on open fields throughout America.
Vintage Base Ball recreates the game as it was played during the 1860s, a period when the sport was rapidly growing in popularity across the country. While many aspects of the game will look familiar, visitors may notice several differences from today's version:
Players often refer to the sport as "base ball" (two words).
Period uniforms reflect the styles of the nineteenth century.
Umpires and players interact according to historical customs and etiquette.
Rules and gameplay closely follow those used during the era.
Sportsmanship and fellowship are emphasized alongside competition.
Through these games, visitors gain a deeper understanding of America's favorite pastime and the communities that helped shape its history.
Vintage Base Ball Frequently Asked Questions
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Not exactly. Vintage Base Ball recreates the game as it was played during the late 1800s, using many of the rules, customs, and traditions of the era. While you'll recognize much of the game, you'll also notice differences in equipment, uniforms, terminology, and gameplay.
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During the nineteenth century, the sport was commonly written as two words: "Base Ball." Vintage teams often use the historic spelling to reflect the language and traditions of the era.
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Players use period-appropriate equipment modeled after what would have been used during the late 1800s. Bats are generally hand-turned wood, gloves are minimal or not used at all depending on the rules being followed, and the ball is designed to resemble those used during the period.
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In many vintage base ball matches, players either wear no gloves or use simple gloves that reflect historical styles. Modern, heavily padded fielding gloves are not used.
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The ball is similar in size to a modern baseball but is often slightly softer, depending on the historical specifications being used for the match. This contributes to the unique style of play seen in vintage games.
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Rules vary depending on the specific year being portrayed, but visitors may notice differences in fielding, umpire calls, player conduct, and game customs. Players and umpires are often happy to explain historical rules to spectators during breaks in the action.